Create a new wearable item that integrates skin conductance sensors that can be worn on the various locations of the body during physical activity to monitor stress and anxiety.

Project Overview

The primary goal of the moveable sensor system (MSS) is to measure and monitor the stress and anxiety levels of the user via skin conductance measurements during physical activity or during rehabilitation/therapy. The moveable sensor system will provide a highly functional way to secure a pre-purcahse skin conductance sensor and attached gel electrodes to the user to monitor skin conductivity. Ideally, the SC sensor will record the user's skin conductance, or electrodermal activity (measured in microSiemens) to a desired tolerance (client needs), and output this data in real-time to a smartphone or nearby computer system. Real-time skin conductance measurements will provide a direct quantitative measurement of the user's stress/anxiety which can then be compared to baseline measurements. We envision that the moveable sensor system will be used in tandem with Vibetech therapy products; that is, the MSS will be utilized to directly monitor the stress/anxiety of the user while they are participating in therapy on Vibetech products. This will help optimize Vibetech therapy sessions by allowing clinicians to have real-time stress/anxiety measurements to base their treatment protocols on. The MSS will also help provide more personalized therapy to patients with cognitive impairments who may not be able to communicate how they are feeling during therapy.

Although many skin conductance sensors are currently available, most rely on two clip based electrodes to measure skin conductance at the fingers. Wired electrodes secured at the tips of the fingers are not always ideal as they can be obstructive and get in the way of exercise movements such as lifting weights. Therefore, our design will seek to overcome these limitations. The mechanism should hold a skin conductance sensor that is functional at various parts of the body, specifically at the wrist, ankle, and chest to measure skin conductance at the shoulder, foot, and palm, respectively. This will allow for less obstructive measurements that are compatible with rehab activities such as stretching, walking, and lifting weights.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Emma Kupitz - Co-Team Leader
• Eric Sagen - Co-Team Leader
• Benjamin Walker - Communicator
• Maggie Vear - BSAC
• Sydney Polzin - BWIG
• Adam Darlington - BPAG

Advisor and Client

• Prof. William Murphy - Advisor
• Dr. Jeff Leismer - Client