Vibrotactile feedback enhances perceived arousal and listening experience in music

In this study, we measured the effects of vibrotactile feedback on the perception of music performance. Vibration signals were produced by transducers under a tabletop or under a chair and played simultaneously with an audio recording of solo cello music. Vibration types were either the signal recorded from the front plate of the cello simultaneously with the audio recording or white noise following the recorded amplitude. Perceived arousal was measured continuously from N=30 participants. In comparison to non-vibrating control conditions, especially sound-matching vibrations enhanced perceived arousal significantly. Increased amplitude of vibrotactile feedback had a positive but small effect on perceived arousal. In a post-experiment interview, participants described a higher sense of presence and embodiment with sound-matching vibrations.