Artificial Intelligence, Immersive Technologies, and Neurotechnologies in Breathing Interventions for Mental and Emotional Health: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Breathing is one of the most vital functions for being mentally and emotionally healthy. A growing number of studies confirm that breathing, although unconscious, can be under voluntary control. However, it requires systematic practice to acquire relevant experience and skillfulness to consciously utilize breathing as a tool for self-regulation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, a global discussion has begun about the potential role of emerging technologies in breath-control interventions. Emerging technologies refer to a wide range of advanced technologies that have already entered the race for mental health training. Artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, biofeedback, non-invasive neurofeedback, and other wearable devices provide new, but yet underexplored, opportunities in breathing training. Thus, the current systematic review examines the synergy between emerging technologies and breathing techniques for improving mental and emotional health through the lens of skills development. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology is utilized to respond to the objectives and research questions. The potential benefits, possible risks, ethical concerns, future directions, and implications are also discussed. The results indicated that digitally assisted breathing can improve various aspects of mental health (i.e., attentional control, emotional regulation, mental flexibility, stress management, and self-regulation). A significant finding of this review indicated that the blending of different technologies may maximize training outcomes. Thus, future research should focus on the proper design and evaluation of different digital designs in breathing training to improve health in different populations. This study aspires to provide positive feedback in the discussion about the role of digital technologies in assisting mental and emotional health-promoting interventions among populations with different needs (i.e., employees, students, and people with disabilities).