Résumé
Behavioral synchrony is an important motor component of social interactions that attracted considerable attention considering its association with affiliation and positive affective states. Interestingly, moving in synchrony is associated with endorphin and oxytocin releases, two neurotransmitters associated with social connectedness and modulation of pain sensation. Consequently, synchronous motor interactions can help foster social connectedness and pain relief for individuals at risk of social isolation such as those suffering from chronic pain. A study is currently being conducted investigating the impact of electrodermal stimulation on group synchronization and its affective and affiliative consequences. Groups of 5 participants execute synchronous movement in different conditions measuring (i) their “natural” frequencies, (ii) baseline group synchronization, and (iii - iv) the impact of an unpleasant stimulation on group synchronization and its recovery. Participants’ movements are recorded using a 3-D infra-red camera system and their physiological state is monitored with electrocardiograms. Self-reports measure the impact of synchronization and its disruption on affective states and social connectedness. Using the Kuramoto model, modulation of movement synchronization across experimental conditions is investigated as well as modifications of participants’ kinematics profiles (i.e., velocity, acceleration and amplitude modulations). Finally, the impact of the perturbation is also explored on the modulation of participants’ physiological states and self-reports of affective and social connectedness.This study will improve our understanding of the influence of pain on group dynamics and kinematics profiles. Results will nurture the development of virtual agents driven by an AI architecture capable of transforming kinematics features for alleviating pain and enhancing social connectedness for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions.