A Brief Introduction and Review on Galvanic Skin Response

Abstract

The Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) is defined as a change in the electrical properties of the skin. The signal can be used for capturing the autonomic nerve responses as a parameter of the sweat gland function. The response appears as an increase in the electrical conductance of the skin (a decrease in resistance) across the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The PGR (psychogalvanic reflex) is mediated by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. The PGR is essentially involuntary, although people can be taught to control it somewhat via biofeedback training. As a detector of emotion, the response often has served as one of the indicators in the lie detector, along with blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. The galvanic skin resistance (GSR) is an accessible & sensitive index of peripheral sympathetic nervous activity, reflecting peripheral autonomic change. This test has a potential therapeutic value as GSR biofeedback in assessing seizure frequency in patients with drug resistant epilepsy.

The Impact of Using Measurements of Electrodermal Activity in the Assessment of Problematic Behaviour in Dementia

“…Measuring patients’ levels of electrodermal activity (EDA) could assist nurses in assessing problematic behaviours. Existing evidence suggests that EDA can be useful in monitoring patterns of behaviour and emotional arousal [ 4 , 5 ]. There are indications that EDA measurements can improve the understanding of behavioural patterns for people with problematic behaviours in nursing homes [ 6 ] and support early detection of agitation in people with dementia [ 7 ].…”

“…There are indications that EDA measurements can improve the understanding of behavioural patterns for people with problematic behaviours in nursing homes [ 6 ] and support early detection of agitation in people with dementia [ 7 ]. EDA reflects changes in skin conductivity, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and may indicate stress [ 4 , 5 ]. When stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, it also influences physiological parameters, such as muscle activity, heart rate, and pupil dilation [ 8 ].…”

Potential Applications of Mobile and Wearable Devices for Psychological Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review

“…SCR is the change in skin conductance when the sudomotor nerve is activated and is usually represented as a transient event in the EDA signal (0.05 -1.5 Hz). On the other hand, SCL is a slow changing of skin conductance (0 -0.05 Hz) responding to a tonic stimulus [137]. Currently, there are 3 methods available for measuring EDA: endosomatic methodology (ESM), exosomatic methodology with direct current (DC−EXM), and exosomatic methodology with alternating current (AC−EXM).…”

Measuring Electrodermal Activity to Improve the Identification of Agitation in Individuals with Dementia

“…To monitor and interpret the moods and behaviors of individuals with dementia is often challenging for nursing staff, and using sensors to measure EDA can be a valuable tool to enhance the accuracy of assessments. Sharma et al [ 4 ] state that measuring EDA may aid monitoring of the individual's emotional experiences and support the identification of and response to his or her needs.…”

“…These changes in the skin's electrical resistance are recorded between two electrodes placed on the skin. EDA appears following stimulation that produces emotional reactions or aroused alertness and is considered a useful measurement for indicating stress [ 4 ]. For example, EDA has been used to detect aggressive behavior, as it increases sharply before the first signs of aggressive behavior are visible [ 14 ].…”