Efeitos da música de fundo incorporada a um sistema com neurofeedback no auxílio da concentração durante uma sessão de leitura

Abstract

The practice of reading accompanied by background music is widely adopted among students today. However, there is much debate regarding its actual effects. While many students claim that music helps them concentrate and stay focused, some studies suggest that music can be distracting and may even consume part of the brain's absorption capacity when exposed to multiple stimuli simultaneously. In any case, these effects depend on individual characteristics, including whether a person adheres to the practice and even the type of music and study material involved. Given this scenario, concentration is the fundamental element to be achieved, regardless of the configuration chosen by the student. From this perspective, a technology that enables individuals to enhance their own ability to concentrate is neurofeedback. Neurofeedback is a technique for monitoring brain activity that, through pattern identification and training, allows individuals to work on their cognitive abilities. Based on these premises, this study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a digital product that integrates the benefits of neurofeedback into the habit of reading with background music among students. To this end, the research involved 12 students from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), who participated in an experimental session using a digital application. For test organization, a smaller group of students - 6 participants - underwent two conditions: one reading session where neurofeedback was used to monitor concentration levels and influence the music volume, and a second session without this feedback mechanism. Before the experiment, all 12 individuals completed a questionnaire covering demographic data, personal preferences, reading habits, and other relevant topics. During the experiment, the 6 selected students read a text while the system recorded time, concentration levels, and fluctuations. Subsequently, participants answered another questionnaire containing questions about the text's content. The collected data were then analyzed to determine whether there was greater absorption during the session with neurofeedback compared to the session without it. All participants interacted with the system and completed a usability scale questionnaire.