Actual and artificial facial expressions effect on heart rate variability

In this study, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) changes, caused by the actual and artificial emotional expressions, were analyzed. In order to evaluate this, EKG recordings have been recorded from eight young and healthy volunteers. Happiness, disgust and fear expression were selected for record. The expressions of emotions have been recorded with surface 4 channel EKG during these emotions. Recording was performed in 2 states by all volunteers. In first stage, volunteers were procured artificial emotional expressions without stimulation. In second stage volunteers were procured actual emotional expressions with visual stimulation (by watched short movies about related expression). Heart Rate Variability (HRV) values calculated from recorded EKG data, then interpolation and 4 Hz re-sampling processed. Then, power spectral density have been analyzed using Welch Periodogram. Spectral changes and the sempatovagal balance values discussed and interpreted by virtue of expressions.