The VitaBeat project is an Android application developed as part of a student research project at the IPVS and VISUS.
VitaBeat records played music from a music streaming app (i.e. Spotify) and links it with sensor data from a smartphone and a smartwatch. The app enables:
- Researchers to conduct large-scale studies in the field of music and vital parameters.
- Users to view their vital parameters, music data, and historical trends.
The app, designed for Android devices connected to WearOS smartwatches, utilizes the Spotify SDK to gather music data alongside smartphone and smartwatch sensor data. This data is stored on the smartphone and can be transmitted to a backend. The modular architecture allows for easy extension, offering potential for further research and improvements to enhance the user experience.
Proof of Concept Experiment: The Influence of Heavy Metal on Heart Rate
To test the functionality of the VitaBeat app, an initial experiment was conducted. The heart rate of two participants was measured under different conditions — once in complete silence and once while listening to heavy metal music.
In the picture on top an increased heart rate can be seen for a participant unaccustomed to heavy metal music. Interestingly, this was not the case for the second participant that regularly listens to heavy metal.
This observation will be further investigated in our current research (see below).
Current Research and Further Development
After developing a functional prototype, VitaBeat is now being expanded through three thesis projects while also making overall improvements to the app and preparing it for a potential launch and conducting studies on the effect of listening to music.
Wearable-Based Study on the Influence of Music Genre Preferences on Heart Rate (Current bachelor thesis by Simon Merkle)
This thesis builds upon the proof-of-concept experiment and extends it into a full study. Participants with different music preferences will be exposed to classical music and heavy metal while VitaBeat records their vital parameters and music data. The goal of the study is to investigate how music genre preferences affect a change in heart rate, while listening to such music. To take part in the study see information below.
Wearable-Based Study on the Influence of Musical Micro-Breaks on Daily Stress Recovery (Current master thesis by Ralf Baumann)
This study examines the effects of short musical breaks on stress reduction. Over the course of two weeks, VitaBeat will remind participants four times a day to take a 10-minute break with music to help reduce stress. The aim of this thesis is to determine whether musical micro-breaks can effectively lower daily stress levels. To take part in the study see information below.
User-Centered Development of the VitaBeat App for Linking Smartwatch Sensor Data with Spotify Songs (Current master thesis by Benjamin Tunc)
VitaBeat should not only be functional but also user-friendly. This thesis investigates user needs through an online survey and implements improvements based on the findings. Please consider taking part in our survey (see below).
Alternatively, you can simply express your intrest and contact us via e-mail (vitabeat@ipvs.uni-stuttgart.de).
Related research
Please also have a look at our other projects!
For the SLEEPMUSIC project, we are also looking for participants to take part in a study on the effect of music on sleep.
Dirk Pflüger
Prof. Dr. rer. nat.Head of Institute
Jonathan Stumber
M.Sc.Researcher
Dr. Tanja Blascheck
- Further information
- Institut für Visualisierung und Interaktive Systeme (VIS)