Exploring the relationship between preferred bubble tube speeds in sensory rooms and physiological–psychological factors: A study on interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time perception, visual discomfort levels, and anxiety levels

<ns7:p>Background This study examined how preferred bubble-tube motion speeds in sensory rooms relate to individual physiological and psychological characteristics, including interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time perception, visual discomfort, and anxiety levels. Methods Fifty adult participants took part in a controlled laboratory experiment using a method-of-adjustment procedure to select their most comfortable motion speed for a simulated bubble tube, presented as an upward-moving Random Dot Motion (RDM) stimulus. Subjective time perception was evaluated using a 60-second time-estimation task, and interoceptive sensitivity was measured via a heartbeat-tracking task. Visual discomfort and anxiety were assessed using the Japanese versions of the Visual Discomfort Scale (VDS-J), Trypophobia Questionnaire (TQ-J), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results The results from the method of adjustment indicated that the preferred speed varied widely, from 1.09 to 13.86 degrees per second. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that higher interoceptive awareness was associated with a preference for slower speeds, whereas higher anxiety levels were associated with a preference for faster speeds. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that subjective time-perception accuracy and visual discomfort levels were significant predictors of participants’ preferred RDM speeds. Conclusion The results indicate that interoceptive sensitivity, subjective time perception, visual discomfort, and anxiety levels play significant roles in determining preferred RDM stimulation speeds. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual differences in physiological and psychological states when designing therapeutic sensory environments, such as sensory rooms and bubble tubes, to support comfort, well-being, and therapeutic outcomes.</ns7:p>