Title : Integrating real-time EEG feedback with VR systems: A holistic study in neuroadaptive interfaces
Abstract:
Background: Virtual Reality (VR) technology has great impact across various fields. Electroencephalography (EEG) feedback, on the other hand, measures brain activity and offers insights into cognitive and emotional states. Combining VR and real-time EEG feedback has become a popular area of research and creates adaptive, personalized systems that respond to the user’s brain activity.
Objectives: This review aims to introduce neuroadaptive interfaces and provide an overview of the current state of research on integrating EEG feedback with VR technology. It seeks to explore the applications of EEG-VR systems, especially in therapeutic settings. The review identifies and examines key studies demonstrating the use of EEG-VR systems in neurological rehabilitation.
Methods: The review involved a search of the official database of the National Institute of Health(NIH) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE). 38 papers were selected. The procedure and significance of EEG-VR are analyzed in detail using these papers.
Results: EEG-VR systems have been shown to have a wide range of applications in modern medical settings. For example, it enhances pain management and improves neurosurgical practice in the treatment of mental health conditions. As demonstrated in the case studies, neuroadaptive interfaces adapt in real-time based on the user’s brain activity, providing a highly personalized and individualized experience and treatment.
Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) technology has long been considered the “next big thing” of interactive multimedia. As this technology develops and matures, researchers are investigating the uses of this immersive technology in learning, training, therapy, and other significant settings. In particular, the integration of Real-Time Electroencephalography (EEG) feedback with VR technology has recently garnered significant research interest. By incorporating these two technologies into a single system, it is possible to create neuroadaptive interfaces that offer control with minimal muscle movement and provide highly individualized experiences. In educational and training contexts, EEG-VR systems can optimize learning by customizing content based on the user's cognitive states and load, thereby enhancing engagement and attention. In entertainment, they provide more immersive and engaging experiences by adapting to the user's mental and emotional states. Furthermore, this integration facilitates advanced research in neuroscience and psychology, offering deeper insights into brain activity and behavior. By combining VR's immersive capabilities with the adaptive power of EEG feedback, researchers can develop systems that not only respond to user inputs but also anticipate and adapt to their needs in real-time. This creates dynamic and interactive experiences that are both intuitive and effective, paving the way for new applications in rehabilitation, mental health treatment, cognitive training, and beyond. As the integration of VR with real-time EEG matures, it is expected to make a significant impact on how we interact with digital environments, offering new possibilities for enhancing human-computer interaction that would eventually benefit society.
Given the significance of this topic, this literature review aims to provide a holistic review of where the research of VR-EEG stands so far. We will begin with an overview of the current state of VR technology. Following this, we will introduce the concept, mechanisms, and applications of neuroadaptive interfaces. Subsequently, we will thoroughly study the integration of real-time EEG with VR technology, delving into the computational models and hardware components. Most importantly, we will review numerous studies that have attempted to combine these two technologies in a neurological therapeutic setting.
