Psychophysiological Data Collection With Motion Artifact Evaluation

Investigation of disturbance in signal quality of physiological sensors induced by muscle activity

Project Justification

Human cognitive and emotional processes are accompanied by (peripheral) physiological changes such as the release of hormones and activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. A major challenge when using physiological measurements lies in the reliable and interference-free assessment of data. Electrophysiological signals recorded by sensors attached to the body are highly susceptible to signal interferences such as muscle activity or sensor movement. Consequently, it is important to consider these (mainly) motion artifacts in the development of physiological measurement devices.

Our Approach

In previous studies, multiple psychophysiological signals were collected with participants who performed standardized movement and affect inducing tasks under laboratory conditions. Commercially available sensor systems and self-developed prototype devices for the psychophysiological measurement of electrodermal activity (EDA), photoplethysmography (PPG), electroencephalography (EEG), and Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) were evaluated.

Insights and Outcomes

A dataset was build including a bunch of possible motions artefacts distorting electrode measurements. These artefacts include speaking, choking, chewing, various facial expressions. Building on these extensive dataset, artefacts can be easily detected and removed.