Category: Exercise Physiology

Capturing More Than Physiology: Multi-Camera and Multimodal Research

In the early 20th century, Cubist painters like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque argued that traditional linear perspective on a subject was an illusion. Something was always hidden from the viewer, distorted, or lost altogether. Just as a Cubist painter might fracture their subject to reveal its true shape, a physiology lab uses multiple synchronized camera angles to bypass a single lens’ limitations.

The same principle applies to modern physiological and psychophysiological research. Physiological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electrodermal activity (EDA), respiration, and blood flow provide valuable insight into how the body responds to stimuli, environments, and social interactions. Yet physiological data alone often leaves important questions unanswered. What was the participant doing? What was happening in the environment? Did social interaction, movement, or behavioral events coincide with a change in the recorded signal?

To answer these questions, many studies now combine physiological recordings with multiple video streams, eye tracking, audio, environmental monitoring, and other forms of media capture. This multimodal approach lets investigators examine physiological measurements alongside the events occurring around them, revealing a richer, more complete picture of human and animal behavior. As these data streams multiply, so does the need to capture, synchronize, and review them together.

Researchers at Macquarie University in Australia and collaborating institutions recently described a multimodal laboratory designed to study face-to-face communication and social interaction. The platform centered on a BIOPAC data acquisition system, amplifiers, and amplifier input module that acquired ECG, EDA, photoplethysmography (PPG), respiration, and skin temperature. The researchers combined physiological measurements with a Tobii eye tracker, wearable sensors, audio recording, motion analysis systems, and six video cameras positioned throughout the laboratory. The project showed that adding more recording sources often complicates data collection coordination, and that integrating multiple acquisition systems requires careful synchronization and workflow design. The camera system played a particularly important role. They used multiple viewing angles for behavioral coding, gesture analysis, participant observation, and synchronization verification. Rather than serving only as a record of the experiment, the video data became an important part of the analysis itself. For researchers studying communication, teamwork, education, or human-computer interaction, the work illustrates how behavioral observations can enhance interpretation of physiological measurements.

A team from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) explored similar ideas outside the traditional laboratory by developing the SLU Multisensory Outdoor Laboratory (SENSOLA). The researchers used BIOPAC data acquisition and analysis systems with AcqKnowledge software and BioNomadix wireless devices to collect respiration and PPG measurements as participants moved through natural and built environments. Their platform combined those recordings with eye tracking, stimulation, video, audio, GPS data, participant feedback, and environmental measurements. One key observation was that physiological measurements become much more insightful when paired with information about a participant’s surroundings and experiences. Video proved especially valuable because it documented environmental conditions, participant behavior, and unexpected events that might otherwise be difficult to identify during later analysis. As physiological research moves beyond controlled laboratory settings, projects such as SENSOLA demonstrate the value of capturing physiological and observational data together.

ratPreclinical research is increasingly applying the same principles. In a recent toxicology study from Japan, investigators developed the ToxQb platform around a BIOPAC data acquisition system and AcqKnowledge software with NDT to collect EEG and ECG data from laboratory rats. The physiological measurements were integrated with overhead, front, and side-view cameras, along with thermal imaging systems. The goal was to monitor behavioral and physiological changes simultaneously over extended periods. By reviewing camera footage alongside EEG and ECG recordings, researchers could relate changes in movement, posture, and activity to physiological events. The authors concluded that combining these diverse data streams provided deeper insight than any single measurement could. The study demonstrates that multimodal acquisition extends beyond human research, across a wide range of life-science applications.

Although these studies span communication research, environmental psychology, and toxicology, they point to a common trend: researchers are capturing much more than physiology. Like the artists who challenged the limitations of a single viewpoint, today’s researchers increasingly rely on multiple synchronized perspectives to reveal a more complete picture of physiology, behavior, and environment. Multiple cameras, video recordings, eye tracking, environmental sensors, and behavioral observations can provide valuable context for interpreting physiological measurements. Learn how using BIOPAC’s MultiCapture feature in AcqKnowledge 6 to integrates multi-camera video and other media into research via our webinar on the topic.

Are you planning to integrate multiple camera perspectives in your next study? Our sales team can help find the right equipment and show you how to leverage AcqKnowledge‘s MultiCapture feature to achieve the best possible results.

Muscles in Motion: Electromyography in Physiological Research

When we think about the human muscular system, movement often comes to mind. Activities such as running, lifting, and maintaining posture all rely on coordinated skeletal muscle activity, while cardiac muscle drives circulation and smooth muscle supports essential functions like digestion. Yet muscles do more than move us from point A to B; they also reflect what is happening inside the body. Patterns of muscle activation can reveal information about physical effort, fatigue, coordination, and recovery, as well as emotional expression, stress, and cognitive engagement. Electromyography (EMG) is a widely used technique for measuring the electrical signals generated by muscles during contraction, providing researchers with a direct and objective means to study both physiological function and the links among the nervous system, behavior, and mental state. By capturing muscle activity that may be too subtle to observe visually, EMG enables precise investigation of processes ranging from motor control and performance to emotional and stress-related responses.

There are several types of EMG, each suited to different research needs. Surface EMG (sEMG) uses small sensors placed on the skin to detect activity from nearby muscles and is the most common approach in behavioral and human performance studies. Intramuscular EMG involves inserting a fine-needle electrode directly into a muscle to record activity from specific muscle fibers, often used in clinical or specialized research settings. Facial EMG (fEMG), a form of surface EMG, focuses on facial muscles. By measuring muscle activity associated with smiling or frowning, fEMG allows researchers to study emotional responses, even when those responses are subtle or not consciously expressed.

One of the key strengths of EMG is its ease of integration with other physiological measurements. In many studies, EMG is recorded alongside electrocardiography (ECG), which measures heart activity; electroencephalography (EEG), which records electrical activity in the brain; functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which tracks changes in brain oxygenation; and eye tracking, which monitors visual attention and gaze patterns. By synchronizing these signals in time, researchers can better understand how different systems in the body work together. For example, combining EMG with EEG can reveal how brain activity leads to muscle movement, while pairing EMG with ECG can show how physical effort relates to heart responses during stress or exercise. This multimodal approach is central to advancing research in areas such as emotion, cognition, and human performance.

EMG also has important real-world applications. In rehabilitation, it helps clinicians monitor muscle recovery after injury. In ergonomics, it provides objective data about muscle strain in the workplace. In sports science, EMG helps optimize training and performance by identifying how and when muscles are activated. Increasingly, EMG is also used in human–machine interfaces, such as systems that allow people to control prosthetic limbs using their muscle signals. Its ability to detect fine-grained changes in muscle activity makes EMG a valuable tool across both research and applied settings.

Best practices for EMG data quality begin with careful electrode placement and attention to potential sources of noise. For sEMG and fEMG, electrodes should be placed over the “belly” of the target muscle, aligned with the muscle fibers, and spaced consistently to capture clean, interpretable signals. Gently cleaning the skin and, when appropriate, lightly abrading the surface helps reduce impedance and improve signal quality. In fEMG studies, precise and repeatable placement over well-defined facial muscles is critical, as these muscles are small and closely spaced. To minimize noise and artifacts, researchers should secure electrodes and cables to prevent movement, ask participants to limit unnecessary body motion, and ensure proper grounding of the recording system. Electrical interference from nearby equipment, power lines, or poor cable management can also contaminate EMG signals, so shielded cables and a controlled recording environment are recommended. Finally, synchronizing EMG with other physiological signals using a common acquisition system helps prevent timing errors and reduces the need for later corrections, resulting in cleaner data and more reliable conclusions.

hand mechanicsRecent studies demonstrate how EMG continues to expand into new and innovative areas. In a study published in Results in Engineering, a team of researchers from China developed a low-computational method for recognizing hand gestures from EMG signals to improve prosthetic device control. The researchers extracted key features from EMG recordings and used a lightweight machine-learning model, a multilayer perceptron (MLP), to classify gestures in real time. EMG data were collected using a four-channel BIOPAC data acquisition system running Biopac Student Lab (BSL) software. Surface Ag/AgCl electrodes were placed on four forearm muscles to capture relevant muscular activity. The study showed that accurate gesture recognition can be achieved without heavy computational requirements, making the system more practical for everyday use. This work highlights how EMG can support the development of more responsive, accessible assistive technologies.

Another study, conducted by a team of researchers from Mahidol University in Thailand and presented in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) proceedings, explored how combining EMG with motion sensors can improve ergonomic assessments. Focusing on occupational health, the study integrated surface EMG with data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a sensor that tracks movement and orientation. The researchers used the IMU to calculate Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores—a common method for evaluating postural risk—while EMG data collected via a BIOPAC four-channel research system provided insight into muscle activity. By combining these measures, the team found that posture alone did not always reflect actual muscle strain. The inclusion of EMG revealed additional muscle stress that might otherwise go unnoticed, suggesting that multimodal approaches can lead to more accurate workplace assessments and better injury-prevention strategies.

Researchers from Louisiana State University and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, examined how training experience influences muscle activation and fatigue during resistance exercise performed with and without blood flow restriction (BFR) in young men. The study, published in Physiological Reports, compared trained and untrained participants while they completed knee extension exercises under low-, medium-, and high-load conditions. The team used sEMG to measure muscle excitation and total muscle activation in the vastus lateralis, with participants fitted with a portable BIOPAC BioNomadix Wireless EMG system. EMG signals were sampled at 2000 Hz and analyzed using a data acquisition system with AcqKnowledge software, allowing the researchers to quantify both peak muscle excitation and overall activation across repetitions. The results showed that low-load exercise with blood flow restriction produced lower peak muscle excitation but substantially greater total muscle activation compared to traditional high-load exercise, regardless of training status. These findings suggest that low-load BFR training may provide an effective alternative for stimulating muscle adaptations while reducing mechanical stress, with potential applications in rehabilitation and strength training programs.

Taken together, these examples illustrate the versatility and effectiveness of EMG in neuroscience, psychophysiological research, and beyond. Whether used to study emotion, improve physical training and workplace safety, or develop assistive technologies, EMG provides a direct link between muscle activity and human behavior. When combined with other physiological measures, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of how the brain and body interact. As research tools and techniques continue to advance, EMG will remain an essential method for exploring brain-body connections. For additional information on how to design studies around EMG, best practices for gathering EMG data, and how to integrate EMG with other signals, check out our webinar on EMG acquisition and analysis.

If EMG will be part of your next physiological or psychophysiological research project, reach out to our knowledgeable staff, who are standing by to help you with each stage of the planning and design process.

Going for Gold: Physiology Research Powers Olympic Athletes

As the world’s top athletes gather for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, they hope that years of rigorous preparation and training to ensure peak performance will pay off with a trip to the winner’s podium. Physiology research plays a critical role in these preparations, providing athletes and their coaches with valuable insights into how to best optimize training regimens and enhance athletic performance. With the introduction of new sports in the competition, understanding the specific physiological demands of each sport is critical. Advanced tools and techniques, like those developed by BIOPAC, allow researchers to study the body’s responses to different types of movement, providing tailored training programs that cater to the unique needs of each athlete.

A range of physiological signals is pivotal in sports and exercise research. Electromyography (EMG) is used to analyze muscle activation patterns, helping athletes refine their movements for efficiency and power. Electrodermal activity (EDA) provides insights into stress and arousal levels, which are essential for mental preparation and focus. Monitoring respiration rates and patterns can optimize breathing techniques, while electrocardiography (ECG) and heart rate variability (HRV) assess heart health and endurance capacity. By integrating these physiological signals, researchers and coaches can develop comprehensive training strategies that improve performance and minimize injury risk, giving athletes the best chance at Olympic gold.

One of the newest sports introduced at the Paris Olympics is breaking or competitive breakdancing. Olympic breaking competitions will feature teams of male and female competitors facing off with opposing teams in one-on-one dance battles. Dance, whether competitive or recreational, has been the subject of extensive study as researchers have examined this intersection of music and rhythmic bodily movement. A study published in 2021 in the journal Nature examined how younger and older adults timed bodily movement to both metronomic rhythms and music. The study compared participants’ responses to auditory cues from a metronome and music with finger tapping, toe tapping, and dance steps. The pace of whole-body stepping movements was recorded using BIOPAC heal-toe strike sensors attached to participants’ shoes with data fed to a data acquisition and analysis system running AcqKnowledge software. The study found that whole-body movement with musical accompaniment positively influenced participants’ ability to time movements accurately with encouraging implications for the treatment of rhythmically impaired individuals, such as those with developmental disorders.

Paris 2024Surfing debuted at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and is returning for the Paris games where it will be joined by two new aquatic additions, kiteboarding and kayak cross. The surfing competition for 2024 will be held in the French territory of Tahiti. Physiology studies have played a key role in preparing competitive surfers for the ultimate test of their skills. A study published in a 2021 issue of Nature investigated how surfers’ paddling cycles affect fatigue. Paddling is a primary component of a surfer’s ability to catch the best waves during competition. Researchers measured participant velocity as they paddled in a pool while tethered to a cable that measured propulsive force. Velocity data was recorded using a BIOPAC data acquisition and analysis system running AcqKnowledge. Untethered velocity was also measured using a cable-based speedometer device with data also transferred to the data acquisition system. According to the researchers, the data gathered should help in the development of “a powerful and endurable metabolic base while reducing energy cost during surfing paddling,” which could play a key role in future training programs.

Boxing’s inclusion in the Olympics dates back to the original games in Ancient Greece. Modern trainers look to research conducted in the physiology lab to enhance their fighters’ competitive edge. A 2023 study by a group of researchers in Pakistan used EMG to measure muscle activity when comparing the effectiveness of two types of punches: the jab and the cross. Researchers used a force plate to measure the impact force of each type of punch, while electrodes attached to the participants’ biceps and triceps recorded EMG data via a BIOPAC data acquisition system.  While both punches delivered similar force, the triceps carried most of the workload during the jab. The research may provide insight into how to best manage fatigue during competitive bouts.

These are just a few examples of how sports physiology research powered by BIOPAC tools and techniques is preparing today’s athletes to compete at the highest levels. For additional information on how BIOPAC can help your sports-related study, see our webinars on exercise physiology using our BioNomadix and Research Ring wireless recording tools and product lines.

Are you planning sports or exercise study? BIOPAC’s regional sales reps are standing by to assist you in finding the right tools for the best results possible.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball: Eye Tracking in Exercise Research

When a coach tells a player to keep their eye on the ball, they are addressing the importance of attention and focus to success, both figuratively and literally. Whether hitting a baseball, shooting a basket, or maintaining focus in an exercise routine, how we process visual information is linked to physical and mental performance, and eye tracking is the key to unlocking this relationship.

Modern eye tracking technology is revolutionizing how researchers understand human behavior, perception, and performance during physical activity. With the rise of wearable and mobile technology, eye tracking has been freed from the confines of the lab, offering real-world insights into our exercise habits and mindset. Thanks to innovators like BIOPAC partner Argus, researchers can now access eye tracking information recorded directly from the putting green, ski slope, and even the mountain biking trail.

One of the primary applications of eye tracking in exercise research lies in understanding visual attention and gaze behavior. By tracking where individuals look while engaging in physical activity, researchers can better understand how attentional focus influences performance. For instance, studies have revealed that elite athletes exhibit more focused and efficient gaze patterns, directing their attention to critical cues that enhance their performance. A 2023 study by researchers at North Carolina State University assessed the viability of using an array of mobile physiological measurement tools, including eye tracking, to measure performance optimization techniques for rock climbers. Tools included BIOPAC monitors and transmitters for wireless tracking of skeletal muscle electromyography (EMG) and eye tracking glasses to record gaze. The study affirmed that such technologies could accurately monitor multiple athletic performance metrics in even the most challenging environments. basketball

Beyond performance enhancement, eye tracking technology holds promise in understanding the psychological aspects of exercise behavior. By examining visual attention during exercise-related stimuli such as advertisements or motivational cues, researchers can unravel the underlying mechanisms driving exercise motivation and adherence.

The same principles of eye tracking research used in fitness and physical performance-related exercise studies can be applied in other fields, such as those that examine job performance in highly stressful and physically demanding occupations, like law enforcement. A study published in the 2023 edition of the Journal of Motor Behavior explored the relationship between gaze control and decision-making by police officers in highly stressful situations. The goal was to assess how a participant’s levels of experience and training affected tactical decisions. Participants wore eye tracking glasses during a simulated traffic incident. The participants’ respiration and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals were monitored via a BIOPAC BioNomadix dual-signal wireless transmitter.  Gaze-tracking data, ECG, and respiration data were fed into a BIOPAC data acquisition system for analysis. The study found that higher levels of training “led to increased processing efficiency and effective attentional control.”

The integration of eye tracking technology into exercise physiology and psychology research offers a nuanced understanding of human behavior and performance during physical activity. With wearable and mobile solutions, this technology not only expands the possibilities of research but also holds the potential for personalized programs and the enhancement of exercise experiences for individuals across a wide range of circumstances. For more information on integrating mobile eye tracking into your exercise study, see our webinars on Recording Great Data from Exercising Subjects and Eye Tracking Glasses and AcqKnowledge Integration.

Are you planning to employ eye tracking in your next exercise study? Contact our experts for assistance in selecting the best tools for gathering and analyzing exercise data with eye tracking.

Put a Ring on It: Wearables Offer New Research Options

Rings, watches, bracelets, and belts—we think of them as indispensable fashion accessories. A bit of bling can put the finishing touch on an outfit for a night on the town, but what about a day in the lab? Wearable technology is transforming the landscape of physiology research by enabling real-time, noninvasive data collection in a variety of settings.

For many, their first introduction to the potential of wearable physiology technology came through smartwatches and fitness bracelets. These consumer electronics offer a convenient and affordable way for anyone from professional athletes to fitness hobbyists to monitor their health data, which often includes pulse, blood oxygen levels, steps, and other basic physiological signals.

As the underlying technology has become more sophisticated, researchers have embraced the convenience offered by such devices. Portable, unobtrusive, and wireless wearables have entered the research device market and now allow a range of signals to be monitored under a variety of circumstances and environments.

smartphoneBIOPAC recently expanded its established line of wireless devices by introducing the Research Ring, a wearable device with a specific focus on physiological signals such as Photoplethysmography (PPG), Electrodermal Activity (EDA), Electrocardiography (ECG), and body temperature. Products like the Research Ring allow the capture of high-quality data via an unintrusive and accessible wearable device, making them ideal for a wide range of potential applications. These include psychophysiology research, sports and exercise studies, sleep and stress research, and aging and wellness studies, to name just a few.

BIOPAC is no newcomer to providing the research and education communities with wireless and portable solutions designed for gathering physiological data. The Bionomadix line of wearable remote monitoring devices set the standard for such products and have been used in thousands of cited studies. For example, researchers conducting a study of on-the-job stress among healthcare professionals collected EDA and PPG signals using a BIOPAC wireless PPG and EDA amplifier and a wireless respiration with ECG amplifier. Wireless technology proved to be a key component of the study’s success as it allowed the data to be gathered without interfering with the immersive quality of the simulated work environment.

A team of researchers from the University of Porto in Portugal utilized a BIOPAC wearable physiological signal logger to collect EDA and ECG data while studying the correlation between physiological signals and expressive writing. In the study, published in the journal Experimental Psychology, participants were able to engage in writing exercises without the distraction of more cumbersome and intrusive wired solutions.

BIOPAC’s latest entry into its line of wearable wireless data collection devices promises to add greater convenience and versatility to this burgeoning sector. For more information on the new Research Ring, check out the recent webinar BIOPAC hosted with ring developer and partner, Senstream.

If you are interested in adding wearable devices to your next physiology study, reach out to your regional sales representative today to learn which BIOPAC wireless solutions are right for you.

Faster, Stronger, Further—Unlocking the Body’s Potential with Exercise Physiology

Every athlete seeks the winning formula that will make them more competitive. Add coaches, trainers, weekend warriors, and everyday health enthusiasts to the mix, all looking for an edge to improve fitness, shorten recovery times, and avoid injuries. Exercise physiology plays a key role in gaining such advantages and insights.

Exercise physiology encompasses the scientific study of how the body responds and adapts to exercise and physical activity. It covers a wide spectrum of systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal as well as metabolic function and overall performance. Today’s exercise physiologists benefit from a range of tools and techniques to measure, collect, and analyze such responses and acquire a better understanding of the ways in which exercise affects both humans and other animals, including solutions that integrate the latest virtual reality and eye tracking technology.

This type of research is not without its challenges. Study participants are often required to be physically active during data acquisition. The tools employed in such instances must allow participants to move freely without introducing signal artifacts or noise into the data. A 2021 study into the physiological progression of fatigue shows how researchers can resolve such problems by employing wireless devices such as BIOPAC mobile EMG amplifiers, used in this case to measure strain to the biceps and triceps during exercise. Researchers successfully gathered a range of EMG data with no negative effects from the physical exertion of the study participants.heavy lifting

Exercise physiology research has also been applied to the treatment and management of exercise- and sports-related injuries, both acute and chronic. Additionally, studies have investigated the connection between physical activity and pathology, revealing new ways to prevent or reduce the progress of certain diseases.

A 2020 study by researchers at the University of Udine examined the effects of both exercise alone and exercise combined with a high-protein diet on patients with late-onset Pompe disease, a neuromuscular disorder that degrades a person’s tolerance to physical activity. The study explored which routine had the greatest impact, if any, on a patient’s exercise tolerance, muscle and pulmonary functions, and quality of life. A BIOPAC isometric dynamometer measured muscle force generated by the right leg and arm during flex and extension tests. Data gathered with a BIOPAC data acquisition and analysis system running AcqKnowledge software demonstrated that the combination of exercise and a high-protein diet did improve exercise tolerance, muscle enzymes, pulmonary function, and quality of life for the patients.

Exercise physiology research also sheds light on the ways in which exercise impacts mental and physical wellness. A study published at the Ho Chi Minh University of Technology used heart rate variability (HRV) to evaluate the influence of stress, both physical and mental, on the performance of stationary bike trainees. During the experiment, electrocardiogram (ECG) signal data was gathered from participants using an MP36 data acquisition unit running Biopac Student Lab (BSL) software over a two-month exercise regimen. Based on the results of the study, researchers concluded that HRV provided a useful window into how stress impacts performance and that HRV data could be used as a management tool to monitor stress levels during training.

The techniques and tools available to today’s exercise physiology researchers are as diverse and varied as the areas in which they are being employed, from athletic performance monitoring and enhancement to wellness studies. For more information on how such tools can benefit your exercise physiology research, watch BIOPAC’s webinar on Recording Great Data from Exercising and Mobile Subjects.

Our regional BIOPAC sales reps are ready to help you find the right tools to design your next exercise physiology study. Contact them today to learn more.

Balancing Act: HRV Provides Critical Marker for Psychophysiological Health

Two college wrestlers square off on the mat awaiting the signal that will begin their match. To the casual observer, the outcome seems impossible to predict. Their coach, however, knows one competitor has a clear advantage—a heart rate variability level (HRV) that is higher than his opponent’s. Examining HRV data provides more than insight into athletic performance, it offers a window into a broad spectrum of functions that influence psychophysiological health.

HRV balanceIn simple terms, HRV is the natural variation in the intervals between each heartbeat over time. Unlike a ticking clock, our hearts do not beat at a constant rate. As such, variations in heart rate can provide a wide range of valuable information on our bodily systems. This is because HRV represents a balancing act between our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which together make up the autonomic nervous system. As we have discussed in previous posts, the autonomic nervous system controls nearly all the body’s involuntary functions.

The sympathetic nervous system is activated in times of stress or danger (i.e., the fight-or-flight response), during which our bodies sweat, our heart rates increase, and the interval between beats decreases. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system acts as a sort of switch, shutting down the sympathetic nervous system and activating a relaxed state (i.e., rest and digest). To do this, it releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that makes the heart beat slower and at greater intervals.

When these two systems are in balance, they produce higher HRV through a more variable heart rate. Greater variability has been associated with the body’s ability to switch between these systems. Thus, HRV is used as a health marker, such that high HRV is associated with better cardiovascular health, mental focus, emotional health, stress management, and ability to recover from exercise, while low HRV is associated with inflammation, chronic fatigue, increased stress, depression, and chronic pain.

HRV has also been connected to willpower and is a predictor of persistence and self-control. HRV increases during periods of self-regulation sometimes called the “pause and plan response.” As such, HRV has been particularly useful in research into the mechanism associated with addiction. A 2019 study used HRV to explore how chronic pain patients treated with opioids could regulate drug cravings and depression through dispositional mindfulness. Electrocardiogram (ECG) data were sampled with a BIOPAC data acquisition unit while HRV was calculated with AcqKnowledge software.HRV chart

Because HRV plays such a critical role in physical and psychological health, several studies have investigated how to self-regulate HRV, including examining how it is affected by posture. A 2020 study used a  2-channel BSL data acquisition unit to gather ECG data to calculate HRV for a variety of bodily positions to determine their impact.

A similar study examined the link between HRV and resilience, i.e., the individual’s ability to return to stable physical and psychological equilibrium after experiencing stress. HRV calculations were made from data gathered via a BIOPAC ECG100C ECG amplifier, RSP100C respiratory amplifier, and EDA/GSR amplifier. The study identified possible trends connecting resilience factors and HRV levels during specific stress-inducing simulations.

Calculating HRV with BIOPAC hardware and software solutions provides researchers with a myriad of psychophysiological insights for their lab work. Learn more about HRV from our Knowledge Base entry, as well as application notes on data preparation for analysis and statistical and geometric measures.

For additional information on how BIOPAC can assist you with a wide range of research and educational applications, contact your local sales representative.

 

Panoply of Respiration and Pulmonary Measurements

The respiratory or pulmonary system performs the important functions of supplying oxygen (O2) during inhalation, removing carbon dioxide (CO2) during exhalation, and adjusting the acid-base balance (pH) of the body by removing acid-forming CO2.

All humans and animals require oxygen to carry out cellular processes of energy transformation essential for life. During cellular metabolism, oxygen is consumed when nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate and fat are oxidized, and carbon dioxide is produced as a gaseous waste product. Collectively, the processes whereby oxygen is taken up from the atmosphere, delivered to body cells and consumed, and the processes of producing carbon dioxide and delivering it to the lungs for excretion into the atmosphere constitute respiration.

Processes of respiration fall into one of three categories: external respiration, gas transport, and internal respiration. External respiration refers to mechanisms by which a person obtains oxygen from the external environment and eliminates carbon dioxide into the external environment. Gas transport refers to mechanisms used to distribute oxygen to and remove carbon dioxide from cells. Internal respiration refers to the chemical reactions of cellular metabolism in which oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is produced.

Gas exchange between the air in the lung and the blood is a process of simple diffusion. A gas diffuses from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, or, from an area of higher partial pressure to an area of lower partial pressure. Partial pressure is simply a way of expressing the concentration of gas molecules.

Blood transports gases to and from the body’s cells. The respiratory system supplies oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide from the blood. At the beginning of inspiration, the thoracic cavity is enlarged by contraction of the diaphragm and the external intercostal muscles. Expiration begins when the inspiratory muscles relax. The diaphragm returns to its resting dome shape, decreasing thoracic and intrapulmonic volume.

What are some common measurements extracted when we measure respiration and how are these measurements acquired and analyzed?

Pulmonary Airflow — The pulmonary airflow analysis uses a calibrated airflow signal from a pneumotach transducer, of which there are many types for various airflow applications.

Compliance and Resistance Analysis is measured on a breath-by-breath basis by diving tidal volume by change in pressure between the exhale start and inhale start locations of the breath.

Respiratory Gas Analysis uses the BIOPAC O2100C and CO2100C amplifier modules for measuring and analyzing oxygen and carbon dioxide content.

Anaerobic Threshold uses AcqKnowledge software to establish a ratio of inspired volume and VO2 consumption and to integrate the air flow signal to obtain total inspired volume in real time.

Respiratory Exchange Ratio is determined by dividing VCO2 produced by VO2 consumed. An automated script for computing RER is available via download from BIOPAC.

Respiration, Gas Analysis, Pulmonary Function, and Exercise Physiology for Research applications and Education curriculum are available.

Respiratory Cycle and Exercise Physiology are supported by the new BSL HOME Practical Lab Kit, enabling students to keep abreast of curriculum demands while safely distanced.

We invite you to sign up for BIOPAC’s free How to Record Great Respiration Data webinar on demand. You may also watch archived webinar events on demand by visiting our Webinars page.

BIOPAC offers a wide array of wired and wireless equipment that can be used in your research. To find more information on solutions for recording and analyzing signals such as ECG, heart rate, respiration, and more using any platforms mentioned in this blog post, you can visit the individual application pages on the BIOPAC website.

Photo by Victor Garcia on Unsplash

Meet Them Where They Are—Portable Wireless Solutions

Once relegated to tightly controlled lab environments where electrode-laden participants were observed at close quarters, researchers are now able to extend the lab into the everyday environment over nearly limitless distances. Top quality physiological data can be acquired from untethered subjects performing tasks ranging from sleeping comfortably in their own beds to engaging in high-impact sports. How and when did this deep dive into unfettered physiology become possible? We offer a brief examination of the solutions currently offered as the 2020s emerge.

BioNomadix BioShirt

Lightweight, comfortable, and some might even say fashionable, the BioNomadix BioShirt uses a respiration sensor and fabric electrodes to wirelessly record respiration and ECG from ambulatory subjects performing unfettered tasks in short or long-term studies, in the lab, or in the real world. The shirt connects to a BioNomadix wireless Respiration & ECG Transmitter (BN-RSPEC) secured in a small pocket on the front of the BioShirt—no electrodes, gels, or wires need apply. Wireless data can be transmitted to a BioNomadix Smart Center, Logger or matched Receiver+MP160/MP150 System. BioShirts provide a high level of comfort and are ideal for long-term physiological monitoring. The ECG and respiratory signal are obtained by means of sensors made of yarns that are fully integrated into the shirt’s textile structure. Sensors are made of fibers directly woven during the production process, and connections between sensors are obtained using conductive fibers for a totally unobtrusive, highly comfortable sensorized garment. The base yarn is composed of anallergic and antibacterial materials to guarantee safe and prolonged use. Machine washable with mild detergent—do NOT use fabric softener.

Smart Center

The BioNomadix Smart Center is a small-form USB-powered data acquisition unit that can record data from up to three wireless BioNomadix transmitters at a time. The transmitters are automatically detected and paired using a guided setup wizard. Smart Center is compatible with 14 different BioNomadix Transmitter types encompassing all major body signals. AcqKnowledge data acquisition and data analysis software also supports monitoring transmitter battery levels, automatic configuration of derived signals and guided analysis based on the type of recorded signals. Adhesive Velcro disks are included for mounting on various surfaces. Smart Center offers a compact and sophisticated physiology platform that sets up in minutes. Simply plug the Smart Center into the computer, set up the transmitters and subject, then start recording high quality data with AcqKnowledge software.

BioNomadix Wireless Wearable Physiology Logger

Offering the industry’s only system that delivers a comprehensive, 24-hour data logging solution in an easy-to-use, easy-to-wear package, the BioNomadix Logger truly delivers “physiology anywhere.” The BioNomadix Logger is the perfect tool for applications that demand greater degrees of subject freedom and complex experimental design. BioNomadix Loggers wirelessly record physiological data as subjects freely and naturally live their lives.

BioHarness Telemetry and Logging Systems

BioHarness with AcqKnowledge software is a lightweight portable biological data logger and telemetry system that monitors, analyzes, and records a variety of physiological parameters including ECG, respiration, posture, and acceleration. BioHarness applications include physiology, psychology, psychophysiology, exercise physiology, ergonomics, human factors, and more. The BioHarness operates in Bluetooth transmitting mode for live viewing of data or data logging mode. In the data logging mode, BioHarness acquires and saves the data for later download to AcqKnowledge software using the included USB docking and charging cradle.

Eye Tracking Glasses ETV

The ETVision (ETV) wearable unit resembles a pair of eyeglasses that can be worn by itself or over the participant’s prescription eyeglasses. The glasses incorporate miniature “eye cameras” for viewing each eye and a “scene camera” that views what the participant is looking at. A built-in microphone is included, and an optional visor can be mounted to the front of the headgear. Recording video and audio data to an SD card for later data processing allows the participant to be completely untethered during data recording. This is useful while engaging in long term activities away from the lab such as walking, bicycling, or driving.

For more information about BIOPAC wireless solutions, we invite you to view the following resources:

BIOPAC offers a wide array of wired and wireless equipment that can be used in your research. To find more information on solutions for recording and analyzing signals such as ECG, heart rate, respiration and more using any platforms mentioned in this blog post, you can visit the individual application pages on the BIOPAC website.

Photo by Fabio Comparelli on Unsplash

T4 Conference Wrap-up

August is a month of barbecues, baseball, and last-minute vacations against the backdrop of a fading summer, and the eighth month of 2019 proved to be an equally exciting time at BIOPAC, with something of a pleasant vacation thrown in. On August 12-14, BIOPAC hosted its 2nd Biennial “Tools, Trends, Techniques, and Technology” Human Physiology Conference, known as “T4” to our friends and partners around the world. This three-day event, first held in 2017, featured lively, informative sessions hosted by BIOPAC staff, partners, noted academics, and industry experts, and covered a wide range of physiological techniques and disciplines. Over 150 attendees joined BIOPAC at the 2019 T4 Conference staged once again at the beautiful University of California at Santa Barbara campus. Participants and instructors winged in from China, Australia, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, U.K., Ireland, and Egypt, as well as from wide regions of the U.S and Canada to soak up the idyllic surroundings of this ocean-side campus.

The focus of BIOPAC’s T4 Conference was to provide a fun, relaxed environment while hosting nearly 40 hands-on, human physiology training workshops chaired by over 20 distinguished instructors from around the globe. One of the many conference highlights was the “Mindfulness, Meditation, and Measurement: Mindfulness Exercises in Physiological Monitoring” session, hosted by Dr. Allan Weiss of the University of Southern California and  BIOPAC Co-founder and Director of R & D Alan Macy. These sessions, conducted in two parts over a two day period were booked beyond capacity, even though the early morning fog hadn’t yet lifted from the campus skyline.

The varied additional sessions covered a range from the basics, “Setting Up Your Lab, Getting Great Data and Troubleshooting,” (hosted by Dr. Terry Blumenthal of Wake Forest University, and BIOPAC’s Alan Macy and Tim Cook), and “Creating Your Own Lessons Using BSL PRO,” (hosted by Dr. Taffeta Elliot of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), to exciting new technologies such as “Integrating Screen-based Eye Trackers with AcqKnowledge,” with Keith Jackson of BIOPAC partner company EyeTech, BIOPAC CEO Frazer Findlay, and BIOPAC Engineering Manager Ed Peterlin. Additional wide-ranging physiological disciplines were also covered, including MRI techniques, stimulation, and exercise physiology. All sessions were conducted using BIOPAC hardware and software systems, as well as platforms provided by BIOPAC partners such as Cedrus, fNIR, WorldViz, Psychology Software Tools, and CNSystems. At the end of each day, it was time to relax and unwind with a beverage of choice, a a walk along the beach, and some good conversation. Each evening featured excellent meals and camaraderie in the relaxed yet elegant environment of some of Santa Barbara and Goleta’s most stunning surroundings. After three great days of immersive sessions, it came time for everyone to part ways, having forged new collaborative partnerships and an enhanced knowledge about the full potential of BIOPAC and BIOPAC partner products.

You don’t have to wait for T4 2021 to learn more about life science data—watch Fundamentals of Physiological Data Recording now!

For a closer look at T4, and a preview of what is sure to be an exciting 2021 event, we invite you to visit our T4 Human Physiology Conference page.

Looking for additional resources, tips, tricks, and expert advice on BIOPAC and BIOPAC Partner products? Please also visit our Webinars and Video Tutorial pages.

BIOPAC offers a wide array of wired and wireless equipment that can be used in your research. To find more information on solutions for recording and analyzing signals such as ECG, heart rate, respiration and more using any platforms mentioned in this blog post, you can visit the individual application pages on the BIOPAC website.

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