BioHab – a biofeedback solution for cognitive training systems

BioHab is an interdisciplinary project from the University of Coimbra that aims to create an optimized system for biofeedback capable of increasing the effectiveness of computerized systems for cognitive training in Autism Spectrum Disorder (PEA), through therapeutic games. Goals? They can be listed in two points: - Creation of an algorithm capable of measuring the emotional / psychophysiological state of the users of the games, in real time, using information from biosensors; - Dynamic adaptation of therapeutic games based on the emotional / psychophysiological state of the participants, provided by the real-time algorithm, which allows to motivate the user through the adequacy of the training plan, which will amplify its effect. Mission? Therapeutic games are an increasingly used way to train skills in autism. However, the users' experience is very variable, and different characteristics of the games can generate stress or discomfort for the users, which can make the games less effective in their purpose. With the BioHab we intend to keep a constant monitoring, even if minimal and non-invasive, of the users experience, adapting the games automatically whenever we detect anxiety peaks, for example, which will allow us to adapt the game in order to keep the user motivated. In addition, therapeutic games often work based on gamification strategies, in which participants receive rewards as they progress through the game. However, reward processing often works differently in PEA, which means that the rewards do not have the expected effect. With BioHab, we will be able to measure the reaction to rewards in real time and, based on this reaction, adapt the following rewards to maximize the impact of the game. In this way, we will not only be able to prevent participants from abandoning training plans due to stressful situations, but also increasing the positive impact of training through the adaptation of gamification rewards, in real time.