Analysis of Biosignals During Immersion in Computer Games.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The proliferation of digital devices and internet access has led to a significant rise in computer game engagement across all age groups.
• Understanding the physiological underpinnings of gaming behavior is crucial, particularly concerning potential issues like internet gaming disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between computer game activity and physiological biosignals.
• To analyze changes in biosignals before, during, and after gameplay to understand the body's response to gaming.

Main Methods:

• Developed a wearable device to measure electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, and skin temperature, minimizing motion artifacts.
• Recruited 31 subjects to play the computer game "League of Legends™".
• Analyzed physiological data including pulse transit time and heart rate variability.

Main Results:

• Gameplay induced increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased parasympathetic nerve activity.
• Subjects with sympathetic predominance exhibited less pronounced heart rate variability changes compared to the normal group.
• Skin temperature and pulse transit time also indicated physiological stress responses during gaming.

Conclusions:

• Computer gaming significantly alters autonomic nervous system balance, favoring sympathetic over parasympathetic activity.
• The observed physiological changes provide a basis for understanding the impact of gaming on the body.
• Findings contribute valuable data for the study and potential diagnosis of internet gaming disorder.