Exploring Physical Activity Motivation and Self-Regulation through AIGC-Immersive Mindfulness Design for Wellbeing

Moderate Physical Activity (PA) is crucial for preventing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being (Das & Horton, 2016). PA routines remains many challenges e.g., time, space, and equipment (Kruger et al., 2007). However, the prominent psychological barriers e.g., lack of motivation and self-regulation have been found in the major metropolitan cities (Teixeira et al., 2015).

Many studies pointed out mindfulness activities can engage motivation and self-regulation (Barton et al., 2024; Persa et al., 2022). Mindfulness, although traditionally is a mental state of awareness associated with static practices e.g., controlled breathing, posing and meditation, it has also recently been correlated to positive PA behaviors through dynamic mindfulness with advanced technologies e.g., AI, VR, AR, MR, XR (Miri et al., 2020; Persa et al., 2022; Rockstroh et al., 2021). With these advancements, this study seeks to further explore the impact of these technology on dynamic mindfulness. Therefore, it addresses the following research questions:

RQ1: How does digital media content in the AIGC-Immersive video influence motivation and self-regulation in PA among physical inactive individuals?
RQ2: To what extent do AIGC-VR mindfulness interventions affect long-term PA changes and psychological health outcomes compared to traditional mindfulness practices?

This study employs a mixed method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative studies to explore AIGC (Artificial Intelligence Generative Content) application with mindfulness-based interventions into AIGC-Immersive video to improve engagement and persistence in PA. A comprehensive review of existing literature and AIGC-based applications that concentrate on dynamic mindfulness, focusing on identifying key sensory digital media contents such as visual, auditory, and tactile elements that encourage dynamic mindfulness (movements) in immersive experience design. Subsequently, an AIGC-VR prototype is developed for integrating these contents (cues) to assess its efficacy in promoting active participation, by using physiological instrument and semi-structured interviews. 60 physical-inactive participants lived in Hong Kong who aged 18 to 50 will be taken into this study. A longitudinal follow-up study then assesses the impacts of AIGC-VR mindful movements on behavioral changes and psychological health by PA tracking and psychological instrument.

The study anticipates that the application of dynamic mindfulness in immersive environment will significantly enhance participants' engagement and increase the duration of their PA involvement. Also, it generates a theocratical model on PA motivation and self-regulation in AIGC Immersive Mindfulness. This study demonstrates the viability of using AIGC-VR technologies to enhance mindfulness that foster increased PA. This could represent a substantial advancement in the design of public health interventions, particularly in addressing the psychological barriers to PA adherence. The integration of sensory cues into AIGC-VR mindfulness practices offers a promising avenue for generalizing engaging and effective public health promotional tool.