BFEDA - EDA relaxation training

Examples of applications

• relaxation training
• stress reduction

Description
With the aid of feedback on skin conductivity the client learns to consciously control the habitual level of arousal and the level of sympathetic nervous system activity.

Internal tension results in increased activity of the sweat glands and hence in a higher skin conductance level (electrodermal activity or EDA). When the arousal level changes, the skin conductance reaction occurs almost immediately (within 0.6 – 6.0 seconds). It is therefore an excellent indicator of the relationship between physical and emotional processes.  

In EDA relaxation exercises you can choose between the following types of feedback:

• Face:
  When skin conductance falls, the face on the screen smiles.
• Morphing:
  A transformation occurs – for example, a frog turns into a prince.
• Depiction for children
  Figures suitable for children (such as a dog or a clown) change their position.
• Jigsaw puzzle
  Missing pieces are added to a jigsaw puzzle.

Recommended session length
15 minutes

Evaluation
The skin conductance chart (yellow) shows that the client has achieved the direct training goal. The skin conductance level has fallen substantially; the general level of activity has been reduced.
The training has also had an indirect effect on physical relaxation – identifiable from the increase in finger temperature (red).
In addition, the pulse volume amplitude (purple) has increased, indicating relaxation of the cardiovascular system.