Past Projects
the effects of the safe & sound protocol on PTSD symptoms and anxiety
Status: Data analysis ongoing, manuscript in process
The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) is a treatment intervention where the individual listens to specially treated music, including filtered, unfiltered, and calming playlists, via over-the-ear headphones. Though used by many therapists as part of trauma therapy, there are currently no published studies to document its efficacy for PTSD symptoms or comorbidities. This observational pilot study was conducted to establish methods for an upcoming randomized controlled trial to test the utility of the SSP for trauma treatment. This project recruited two populations of therapy patients from a local clinic for a series of qualitative and physiological measurements: one subset of subjects was set to have the SSP administered by their therapist, and another completed treatment as usual.
Physiocam effectiveness over zoom
Status: Data analysis ongoing
This study sought to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the heart rate signal extracted from a video stream of a subject’s face as compared to heart rate measured by 1) our PhysioCam setup (a CCD camera) and 2) ECG.
traumatic stress research consortium (TSRC) therapist questionnaire
Status: Data analysis ongoing
This questionnaire study is intended to survey the experiences, methods, and personal histories of clinician members of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. The survey includes questions about practice and training, characteristics of their client base, professional quality of life, personal trauma experiences, body stress responses, and physical health. This study is being conducted to inform researchers and clinicians about the experiences of trauma work.
TSRC Client Questionnaire
Status: Data analysis ongoing
The physiological links between traumatic experiences and adverse health consequences are understudied in therapy clients. This survey examined people already undergoing mental health treatment and asked them questions about their health and autonomic function. We hypothesized that exposure to chronic and traumatic stressors and their severity would positively predict problems associated with adult autonomic regulation (like dampened awareness of body processes, elevated stress reactivity, chronic pain, gastro-intestinal problems, and sexual problems).
Parent-Report Evaluation of Sensory Sensitivities
Status: Data analysis ongoing
This study saught to assess the subscale structure, reliability, validity, and normative values of sensory sensitivity questionnaires being used by the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium (TSRC) from an online U.S. sample. Parents of children aged 5—17 were recruited to fill out surveys asking about their child’s sensory sensitivities, ingestive problems, and digestive problems.
Startle-blink study
Status: Data analysis ongoing
Currently, the startle-blink response is measured by attaching five small electrodes to the subject’s cheek and temple. This captures muscle movements surrounding the eye through use of facial electromyography, but having electrodes placed so close to the eye can be uncomfortable for subjects. Our goal was to lessen that chance of discomfort by developing a non-contact method of measuring the startle blink response using the PhysioCam. We sought to tweak the facial tracking code so that it’ll track and record movement around the eyes, and validate this data against that generated by the facial electromyography.
Dynamic Respiratory control’s impact on vagus nerve, neurological activation of the prefrontal cortex and executive function (DIVNE)
Status: Data analysis ongoing
This study examined the effect breathing patterns have on executive function. Subjects alternated between using one of two predetermined breathing patterns and completing mental tasks designed to challenge their executive function.
Measuring Respiration using a thermal camera
Status: complete
We used a thermal camera to track subjects’ breathing, hoping this method would provide an accurate estimate of the timing of inhalation and exhalation. This study was conducted as a proof-of-concept, in hopes that this noncontact respiration sensor could be used in the future to 'gate' radiation therapies for tumors that are located close to the lungs.
Neural Solution (BLINC)
Status: complete
Content creators have an interest in understanding how audiences experience their content on an emotional and cognitive level using noninvasive methods during viewing rather than after, since feelings that arise while watching an ad are fleeting and may go unnoticed by viewers.
In this study, we compared and contrasted physiological responses with self-reported emotional responses to select video advertisements. Physiological data gathered will also be used to identify attention shifts that may have occurred during viewing. See our publications page for a paper published using data collected from this study!