The calming effect of a new wearable device during the anticipation of public speech

Abstract

We assessed the calming effect of doppel, a wearable device that delivers heartbeat-like tactile stimulation on the wrist. We tested whether the use of doppel would have a calming effect on physiological arousal and subjective reports of state anxiety during the anticipation of public speech, a validated experimental task that is known to induce anxiety. Two groups of participants were tested in a single-blind design. Both groups wore the device on their wrist during the anticipation of public speech, and were given the cover story that the device was measuring blood pressure. For only one group, the device was turned on and delivered a slow heartbeat-like vibration. Participants in the doppel active condition displayed lower increases in skin conductance responses relative to baseline and reported lower anxiety levels compared to the control group. Therefore, the presence, as opposed to its absence, of a slow rhythm, which in the present study was instantiated as an auxiliary slow heartbeat delivered through doppel, had a significant calming effect on physiological arousal and subjective experience during a socially stressful situation. This finding is discussed in relation to past research on responses and entrainment to rhythms, and their effects on arousal and mood.

Wearable devices as adjuncts in the treatment of anxiety‐related symptoms: A narrative review of five device modalities and implications for clinical practice.

“…These results suggest that the perception of the truthfulness of feedback is important. However, Azevedo et al () found different effects with the doppel —a very similar commercially available device—under comparable conditions. Here, participants who had the device switched on demonstrated an objectively and subjectively reduced stress response, even though they were told that it was simply a measuring instrument.…”

Mind, Body, Bubble! Psychological and Biophysical Dimensions of Behavior in Experimental Asset Markets

“…Unlike the activity of the tVNS device, the wearer perceives the Doppell's vibrations. Early placebo controlled research finds that this device successfully reduces the wearer's emotional reactivity in stressful environments (Azevedo et al, 2017).…”

Mobile Social Physiology as the Future of Relationship Research and Therapy: Presentation of the Bio-App for Bonding (BAB)

“…The last author's lab has developed scripts in PsychoPy to manipulate peripheral temperature via the EMBR wave via the computer, and connecting the EMBR Wave to the BAB is a goal for the near future. Similarly, the "Doppel" is a wearable device that has been successfully shown to manipulate heartbeat-like tactile stimulation to alter stress levels before public speaking (Azevedo et al, 2017). Thus, not only observing through sensor technology is now possible (through our app and our data-driven methods), manipulating in real-time (and responsive to the partner) through actuator technology is realistic in the near future.…”