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Abstract:
Immersive virtual reality is a perfect medium to study complex human behaviour by simulating an environment close to the real world and yet controlling its properties. In this project we modulate auditory and visual feedback in VR to investigate the impact of the modulation on human behaviour and the emotional state of the participant. The auditory aspect of the feedback modulation consist of changing the sound frequency of the footsteps played back to the user. The visual aspect of the feedback modulation involves changing the gait motion pattern of the self-animated avatar. According to our hypothesis, higher sound frequency of the steps and/or changing human gait towards a happier, more energetic walk will have an effect on the participant's motion trajectories when walking in place in front of a virtual mirror. The reported degree of embodiment of the avatar in the virtual environment, the degree of the illusion of presence, their own body perception and emotional state could, according to our hypothesis, also be influenced by the manipulation. Potentially, this VR setup can be used as a mild positive emotion induction technique. It can be also used as exercise encouragement for people who are otherwise reluctant to do sports.
