Monitor stress response in a virtual reality environment using a wearable sensor to analyze and track heart rate variability (HRV).

Wearable sensor technology is being developed that may allow, for the first time, the ability for individuals to better recognized their level of stress in any given situation on a continuous basis. A major focus of many of these wearable sensors is being able to accurately analyze and track heart rate variability (HRV), which is indicative of primarily parasympathetic/vagal tone and emotional state.3 However there is a need to validate the reliability of this measured response and understand any inter-individual variability.

The present study will take advantage of virtual reality scenarios to expose healthy volunteers to controlled stressful situations during monitoring with several standardized lab-based non-invasive physiological sensors as well as a novel wrist band sensor device to track individual response to stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults over age 18

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of seizures
• History of vertigo or other vestibular abnormalities
• History of a chronic anxiety disorder
• History of cardiovascular disease or heart disease

The study population will be made up of 50 adult men and women who are in general good health. Individuals will be recruited locally through fliers, word of mouth and email blasts to the Scripps community.