LEIB-RHYTHM: An Auditory-Based Intervention for Enhancing Rhythmic Chewing Perception
摘要
The word “Leib” has been used in German phrases to denote certain food related interactions. The primary objective of this study is to propose multisensory solutions for modulating chewing rhythms. We have developed an application concept named LEIB-RHYTHM, which integrates dietary rhythms into wearable headphone devices to echoes with music rhythm. In a controlled experiment with 60 participants, we systematically evaluated the impact of three types of audio stimuli (fast-tempo music, slow-tempo music, and voice prompts) on chewing patterns. Participants altered between 30 s of rest (OFF) and 30 s of chewing gum task (ON). Results demonstrated significant tempo-dependent effects [F (2,87) = 3.178, p = 0.047], with slow-tempo music inducing the most substantial reduction in chewing frequency (M = 39.75, SD = 6.60). This evidence positions auditory rhythm modulation as a potent mechanism for Slow Food interventions. The study bridges rhythm algorithms with subconscious rhythmic chewing cognition, offering new pathways for promoting mindful eating through synchronized body-environment interactions. The key advantage of this research lies in its utilization of musical rhythms as “corrective technologies” for designing interventions that modulate rhythmic chewing perception, which valorizes and emphasizes food serenity and natural body rhythms adjustment in interaction.