Haptic Feedback, Performance and Arousal: A Comparison Study in an Immersive VR Motor Skill Training Task

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between fine motor skill training in VR, haptic feedback, and physiological arousal. To do so, we present the design and development of a motor skill task (buzzwire), along with a custom vibrotactile feedback attachment for the Geomagic Touch haptic device. A controlled experiment following a between-subjects design was conducted with 73 participants, studying the role of three feedback conditions -visual/kinesthetic, visual/vibrotactile and visual only -on the learning and performance of the considered task and the arousal levels of the participants. Results indicate that performance improved in all three feedback conditions after the considered training session. However, participants reported no change in self-efficacy and in terms of presence and task load (NASA-TLX). All three feedback conditions also showed similar arousal levels. Further analysis revealed that positive changes in performance were linked to higher arousal levels. These results suggest the potential of haptic feedback to affect arousal levels and encourage further research into using this relationship to improve motor skill training in VR.

Vibrotactile feedback in m‐commerce: Stimulating perceived control and perceived ownership to increase anticipated satisfaction

“…Accordingly, this has only been evidenced visually, as per Luangrath et al (2022) through a virtual hand. However, we evidence that this also occurs from vibrotactile feedback given that vibrations are a form of stimulation (Eid & Al Osman, 2016; Penasso et al, 2023; Radhakrishnan et al, 2023). Third, the results evidence how vibrotactile feedback influences consumer decision making, potentially reconciling highlighted conflicts in extant literature (e.g., Hampton & Hildebrand, 2020; Manshad & Brannon, 2021), where these effects varied across product categories and individual differences in need for touch.…”

“…They find that the stimulation experienced from VR heightened perceived ownership because of the stimulation from the environment (e.g., no differences across three conditions). Vibrations, in particular, are a form of arousing stimulation that leads to similar effects (Eid & Al Osman, 2016; Penasso et al, 2023; Radhakrishnan et al, 2023). As such, we contend that stimulation might not only be motivated visually (e.g., virtual reality) but also from haptic inputs (e.g., vibrotactile feedback) and so contribute to this literature.…”

“…Past research shows that vibrations increase task efficacy, such as balancing (Ballardini et al, 2020), task precision (Pena et al, 2019), and object manipulation (Stepp et al, 2012). Vibrations, a proximal cue, are effective at focusing attention because they are highly stimulating (Eid & Al Osman, 2016;Penasso et al, 2023;Radhakrishnan et al, 2023). In particular, former research investigating vibrations highlights control as a means to these benefits.…”

“…Beyond being merely pleasant, though, vibrations are highly arousing and stimulating (i.e., they naturally grab attention such as when receiving smartwatch alerts or vibration‐mode phone calls). We contend that because of their stimulating qualities (Eid & Al Osman, 2016; Penasso et al, 2023; Radhakrishnan et al, 2023), vibrations provide a means to increase psychological ownership through the stimulation motivation.…”