Researchers at the University of Texas Austin (UT Austin) have successfully modified a commercial virtual reality (VR) Headset to Measure Brain Activity. The team added a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor to the Meta VR headset, allowing for the measurement of users’ brain responses to various stimuli.
Virtual reality technology has gained significant interest in the healthcare industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) even establishing a unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II code for a VR program. The UT Austin research team is among many nationwide utilizing VR to enhance healthcare.
The EEG sensor developed by the researchers consists of spongy electrodes made of conductive materials. These electrodes are placed along the top strap and forehead pad of the modified headset, creating a flexible circuit with conductive traces. An EEG recording device is attached to the back of the headset.
By using the modified VR headset, researchers can study various aspects of Brain Activity, such as reactions to stressors, attention span, and mental stress. They tested the headset using a driving simulation game, where users’ brain activity was measured as they made driving decisions.
The newly developed electrodes are more comfortable than traditional ones, potentially allowing for extended wear time. The research team has filed preliminary patent paperwork for the EEG sensor.
The potential uses of VR in healthcare have attracted attention from healthcare providers and researchers nationwide. Massachusetts General Hospital has announced plans to conduct a randomized controlled trial using VR technology to enhance the quality of life for blood cancer patients. The University of Maryland School of Medicine has also established a center dedicated to developing and certifying extended reality technologies for healthcare use.
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