Calm in your palm: biofeedback device promises to reduce stress

This paper reviews a new handheld biofeedback device, called the StressEraser, developed by the NY-based firm, Helicor Inc. The StressEraser is an aid for deep breathing exercises, which are commonly prescribed to alleviate stress. The device is basically a pulse oximeter integrated with a display and a microprocessor and is able to monitor your heart rate to identify the activity level of the vagus nerve. By tracking the vagus nerve activity, the StressEraser gives you an audible and visual cue just ahead of the nerve's peak activity by plotting tiny changes in your heart rate as a line moving across the device's screen. While it is easy-to-use and is well designed, it needs a marked menu button to allow easy adjustment of device's key settings.