[en] Background
Rising stress levels have led to increased interest in stress management tools, particularly tactile breathing devices. Despite their popularity, there is limited evidence on their physiological and psychological effectiveness and user perceptions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of and preferences toward two tactile breathing devices among highly stressed individuals.
Methods
The study involved 36 participants using two breathing devices, moonbird and Core. Physiological data were collected using EEG, ECG, and a breathing belt. User preferences and self-reported experiences were assessed via questionnaires.
Results
Moonbird usage was associated with increased delta power and decreased alpha power, while Core did not significantly modify EEG power. ECG analysis indicated no significant differences in mean heart rate between devices. Both devices reduced heart rate variability during use, but no lasting effects were observed post-intervention. Respiratory rates decreased during both devices’ use, with moonbird showing more sustained effects post-intervention. There were no significant differences in self-reported relaxation and energy levels between the devices, though moonbird was preferred overall for its handling and breathing guidance.
Conclusion
Both devices demonstrated the ability to lower physiological stress, as indicated by improvements in certain neurophysiological measures during use, with moonbird preferred for its ergonomic design and tactile feedback. These findings underscore the importance of user experience in device effectiveness, highlighting the need for a user-centric approach in device design. Future research should explore long-term effectiveness, real-world user feedback, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms associated with these devices.
Van Langenhoven, Leen; KU Leuven - Catholic University of Leuven > Department of Public Health and Primary Care > L-BioStat
Janssens, Rosanne; KU Leuven - Catholic University of Leuven > Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences > Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
Huys, Isabelle; KU Leuven - Catholic University of Leuven > Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences > Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy
Oswald, Victor; UdeM - University of Montreal > Department of Psychology > Cognitive & Computational Neuroscience Lab
Annen, Jitka ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Neurosciences - Coma Science Group
Laureys, Steven ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques
Martial, Charlotte ✱; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Neurosciences - Coma Science Group
Gosseries, Olivia ✱; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Neurosciences - Coma Science Group
✱ These authors have contributed equally to this work.
Language :
English
Title :
The effectiveness and user preferences of two tactile breathing devices in reducing stress in stressed individuals: A mixed methods study
Publication date :
July 2025
Journal title :
International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology
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