Tracking Cognitive Workload in Gaming with In-Ear [Formula: see text]

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2022 Jul:2022:4913-4916. doi: 10.1109/EMBC48229.2022.9871448.

Abstract

The feasibility of using in-ear [Formula: see text] to track cognitive workload induced by gaming is investigated. This is achieved by examining temporal variations in cognitive workload through the game Geometry Dash, with 250 trials across 7 subjects. The relationship between performance and cognitive load in Dark Souls III boss fights is also investigated followed by a comparison of the cognitive workload responses across three different genres of game. A robust decrease in in-ear [Formula: see text] is observed in response to cognitive workload induced by gaming, which is consistent with existing results from memory tasks. The results tentatively suggest that in-ear [Formula: see text] may be able to distinguish cognitive workload alone, whereas heart rate and breathing rate respond similarly to both cognitive workload and stress. This study demonstrates the feasibility of low cost wearable cognitive workload tracking in gaming with in-ear [Formula: see text], with applications to the play testing of games and biofeedback in games of the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cognition
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Video Games*
  • Workload*