Real-time stress evaluation using wireless body sensor networks

Stress is a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. It is generally recognized as one of the major factors leading to a spectrum of health problems. Therefore, people with high risks of getting stressed should be continuously monitored in order to detect any stress signs before it causes health problems. Wireless body sensor networks(WBSNs) provide opportunities to monitor stress and can provide initial treatment. In this paper, we propose an energy-efficient stress detection and evaluation framework. A WBSN deployed on the patient's body collects stress-correlated physiological signals. First, the skin conductance (SC) is analyzed. Then, if any stress signs are detected, its level is calculated via a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) using the following vital signs: Heart Rate (HR), Respiration Rate (RR) and Systolic Blood Pressure (ABPSys). The results show that the stress evaluation was coherent with the different experimental stages the monitored person has gone through.