VitaBeat

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).

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.

This research project extends the VitaBeat app by developing personalization and gamification aspects and investigating how the perceived benefit, incentive, and retention of users change because of them. 
The former recommends personalized songs based on sensor-collected physiological data and indicated activity. 
It also examines whether this personalization aspect helps users conduct indicated activities more efficiently and effectively, and whether it can contribute to stress reduction. 
The latter gives users visual feedback on their progress and applies persuasive gamification principles such as achievements, progress tracking, and daily quests.
Please consider taking part in our study (see information below).

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.

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.

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. 

Alternatively, you can simply express your intrest and contact us via e-mail (vitabeat@ipvs.uni-stuttgart.de).

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.