A study indicates that a virtual breathing coach, created by computer technology, may be just as effective as working with a human trainer.
A study by Aston University researchers suggests that a computer-generated breathing coach could be as effective as sessions with a human trainer.
A breathwork instructor helps people learn various breathing techniques aimed at enhancing their physical, mental, and emotional health. However, recent research shows that people feel just as comfortable being guided by a virtual reality (VR) coach on-screen as they do by a trained professional.
The Covid-19 pandemic impacted many people globally, not only through respiratory illness but also by leading to long-lasting anxiety and depression. While there are many medications available to address both physical and mental challenges, one of the simplest and most common solutions is engaging in breathing exercises. However, hiring trained coaches can be costly, and individuals often need to invest time and money to travel to these sessions.
The research team aimed to explore people’s perceptions of this virtual coaching option and assess how usable it could be as a substitute for an in-person instructor. They created an online platform where a virtual coach, designed to look and speak like a human, guides users through a series of established breathing exercises that can be practiced at home. The VR coach demonstrates breathing movements of the chest and head, leading users through cycles of inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding the breath again.
Twenty participants engaged in the study and filled out a questionnaire afterward. The findings revealed that about 73% of the participants found the virtual coach to be likable and trustworthy, 76% found the platform easy to navigate, and 60% were interested in using it in the future.
The research, titled ‘Usability, acceptance, and the role of realism in virtual humans for breathing exercise training,’ was published in Scientific Reports and spearheaded by Dr. Ulysses Bernardet, a lecturer in computer science. He stated, “While the interaction experience with our virtual human isn’t equivalent to natural human interaction, the results suggest that people are open to substituting a real coach with a virtual one.”
Dr. Bernardet continued, “Individuals often worry about accessing healthcare due to high costs and the scarcity of trained professionals, along with deteriorating health conditions. As a result, many people turn to online resources for assistance, including self-guided breathing exercises. Though these exercises are accessible without supervision, consistently sticking to such routines over time can be difficult.”
His co-researcher, Professor Aniko Ekart, added, “Looking forward, as virtual humans become more lifelike, there are both difficulties and significant possibilities. The challenges include ensuring consistency in their appearance and behavior, as well as addressing ethical considerations in their design and use. The potential lies in achieving a human-machine interaction that feels as seamless and natural as human-to-human interaction.”
The researchers acknowledged that their desktop system only offers a limited level of immersion, which could impact the effectiveness and relaxation benefits users experience. Therefore, since VR technology is becoming more accessible, they plan to explore the virtual breathing coach using immersive 3D VR solutions in future research.
