NieNie: Adaptive Rhythmic System for Stress Relief with LLM-Based Guidance

2025-10-20

AI Summary

Contemporary young adults face escalating psychological stress, yet conventional interventions lack dynamic adaptability. To address this, we propose an embodied adaptive stress regulation system integrating real-time heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, a soft wearable haptic device delivering personalized squeeze-rhythm gamified interaction, and large language model (LLM)-driven contextual psychoeducation. This establishes a closed-loop intervention framework spanning physiological, behavioral, and cognitive domains. Our key contribution is the first deep integration of embodied haptic rhythm modulation with LLM-based semantic psychological support—enabling real-time, state-dependent rhythm generation and context-aware guidance. Empirical evaluation demonstrates significant improvements in users’ stress reframing capacity and intervention adherence, alongside enhanced interoceptive awareness and emotion regulation efficacy in daily-life settings.

Technology Category

• Intelligent Robots: Embodied AI
• Cognitive Modeling & Cognitive Systems: Adaptive Behavior
• Humans and AI: Interaction Techniques and Devices

Application Category

• User Modeling, Personalization and Recommendation: Psychology-informed user models and recommender systems
• Search and Retrieval-Augmented AI: Personalized, context-aware and across-device search
• Responsible Web: Machine-in-the-loop, human agency and autonomy

Abstract

Today's young people are facing increasing psychological stress due to various social issues. Traditional stress management tools often rely on static scripts or passive content, which are ineffective in alleviating stress. NieNie addresses this gap by combining rhythm biofeedback with real-time psychological guidance through a large language model (LLM), offering an interactive, tactile response. The system is specifically designed for young people experiencing emotional stress, collecting physiological signals such as heart rate variability and generating adaptive squeeze-release rhythms via soft, tactile devices. Utilising LLM, the system provides timely squeezing rhythms and psychologically guided feedback prompts, offering personalised rhythm games while reinforcing stress restructuring. Unlike traditional mental health apps, NieNie places users within an embodied interactive loop, leveraging tactile interaction, biofeedback, and adaptive language support to create an immersive stress regulation experience. This study demonstrates how embodied systems can connect bodily actions with mental health in everyday contexts.

Problem

• Developing adaptive rhythmic biofeedback system for youth stress relief
• Providing real-time psychological guidance through LLM interaction
• Creating embodied interactive loop combining tactile and language support

Innovation

• Combines rhythm biofeedback with LLM-based guidance
• Uses physiological signals to generate adaptive tactile rhythms
• Creates embodied interactive loop for stress regulation