Hardware-software Complex For Tensotremometric Measurements in Psychophysiological Research

Abstract

Introduction. One of the methods of assessing human psychoemotional reactions (PER) is measuring motor system activity. Traditionally, to register involuntary components of PER methods of measuring physiological tremor are used. This paper presents comparative analysis of different methods for tremor registration and also presents a description of a new pen-shaped device outfitted with tensometric sensors to assess severity of stress PER. Methods. The device includes tensometric sensors connected to analog-digital conversion device and microcontroller in order to translate the signal to administrator’s terminal. The signal contains tensotremorometric data from three fingers, corrected according to maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the subject. Said signal is then divided into overlapping segments which are then filtered for the frequency of physiological tremor and analyzed using Epps-Singleton criteria. Results. A plan of study that allows to assess severity of stress reaction using presented device is tested. It is shown that if a stressor is introduced, then changes of the background tensotremorogram coincides with the moment of stressor introduction. A prototype for software-hardware complex for assessing PER based on tensotremometry registration and analysis is introduced. Discussion. Hypotheses regarding the specifics of connection between tensotremorogram changes and stressor characteristics are formulated. Further developments of technology are discussed.

Keywords

• psychoemotional reactions (per)
• stress
• involuntary movements
• vegetative neural system, physiological tremor
• tensotremorometry
• sliding window
• epps-singleton criteria
• force-sensitive resistor
• maximum voluntary contraction