Stress monitoring using a distributed wireless intelligent sensor system

TLDR

Reliable, high‑precision instrumentation and synchronized measurements over prolonged periods are required for monitoring stress in groups during training. The authors develop personal health monitors using a wireless body‑area network of intelligent sensors to aid selection and psychophysiological evaluation of military trainees. The system integrates individual monitors into a distributed wireless network that synchronously measures heart‑rate variability to quantify and predict stress levels during training.

Abstract

We are developing personal health monitors based on a wireless body area network (BAN) of intelligent sensors. Individual monitors will be integrated into a distributed wireless system for synchronized monitoring of a group of subjects. This system could be used during the selection process and as part of a psychophysiological evaluation of military members undergoing intense training. We use measures of heart-rate variability to quantify stress level prior to and during training as well as to predict stress resistance. This task requires reliable, high-precision instrumentation and synchronized measurements from a group of individuals over prolonged periods (days of training).