JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The lack of knowledge on stress self-regulation can significantly impact health and overall well-being. Traditional stress management methods, such as mindfulness meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, have limitations, including a lack of interactivity. However, studies have shown that gamification can effectively address these limitations by integrating stress management techniques into video games.

Objective:

This study aims to enhance stress self-regulation among younger adults by evaluating the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing exercises embedded in video games. Specifically, the focus is on Breeze 2, a mobile-based biofeedback game emphasising a short diaphragmatic breathing exercise.

Methods:

The evaluation of Breeze 2 involved quantitative data analysis obtained from questionnaires and physiological data measurements. Twenty student participants took part in the experiment. Data collection included the administration of a perceived stress scale questionnaire, a perceived effectiveness questionnaire, and tracking heart rate variability and breathing rate.

Results:

The findings suggest that a short breathing session using Breeze 2 effectively reduces stress, as the perceived effectiveness questionnaire indicates. However, the reliability of the physiological data measurements is lower than anticipated, making it challenging to establish relationships between questionnaire scores and physiological data.

Conclusions:

It is recommended to conduct a longitudinal study to examine the sustained effects of using Breeze 2 and to validate the methods of measuring physiological data in future research. By doing so, a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of incorporating diaphragmatic breathing exercises in video games for stress self-regulation can be obtained.