One of the foundational concepts making virtual reality (VR) video games of high interest is the game’s ability to transport the user to a flow state. The visual and auditory stimuli presented are highly immersive, leading the user to focus entirely on the game, often losing track of time. Flow states are characterized by this lack of time awareness, as participants are able to match their abilities with the demands of the game (i.e., the game is not too easy or too hard). But what qualities reflect a flow state as it is happening in the moment?
Researchers from Shandong University tested five first-level physiological functions to determine their efficacy in reflecting a flow state, including EMG, EDA, EEG, respiratory rate, and cardiovascular activity. Thirty-six students participated in a VR game while having their physiological responses monitored. Prior to the experiment, the researchers placed BIOPAC’s wearable dual-signal BioNomadix transmitters with appropriate electrodes on the participants to wirelessly record Respiration and ECG data. Participants were then seated in the designated gaming chair for five minutes to record baseline responses. After this, they played the game for six minutes, followed by a questionnaire about flow experience. The results showed that the five physiological functions, as a whole, indicated flow state, though respiratory rate was most effective. The authors note that, as a physiologic arousal marker, respiratory rate best predicted flow state.
Having physiologic indicators of a flow state not only assists future research, but also provides a method for real-time feedback on the efficacy of the game. The authors note that with better biometric data comes the opportunity to provide a better gaming experience, with real-time adjustments. If the physiologic responses and adjustments could be integrated with the gaming software, games would be far more realistic.
