Mental Stress Analysis using the Power Spectrum of fNIRS Signals

Rateb Katmah, Fares Al-Shargie, Usman Tariq, Fabio Babiloni, Fadwa Al-Mughairbi, Hasan Al-Nashash

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mental stress is one of the major health problems in modern societies. Detecting mental stress at its early stage and developing a method of stress mitigation is very important for safety, health and quality of life. In this study, we employed a modified Stroop Color Word Task (SCWT) with time constrains and negative feedback about the performance, together with Binaural Beats Stimulation (BBs), to induce three varied levels of mental stress. Level one was based on SCWT alone and level two was based on SCWT+time-pressure and level three was by utilizing SCWT+time-pressure+BBs. We then quantified the level of stress using a NASA TLX questionnaire and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The fNIRS signals were then analyzed using the Welch power spectrum density (PSD) to investigate the discrepancy in brain activity across the three levels of mental stress. We found that the mean PSD value in the frequency range of 0.2 to 0.5 Hz has significantly changed between the three stress levels. These findings indicate that the fNIRS power spectrum analysis method could be used as a robust marker for mental stress.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 International Conference on Electrical and Computing Technologies and Applications, ICECTA 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages216-219
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781665456005
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes
Event2022 International Conference on Electrical and Computing Technologies and Applications, ICECTA 2022 - Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Nov 23 2022Nov 25 2022

Publication series

Name2022 International Conference on Electrical and Computing Technologies and Applications, ICECTA 2022

Conference

Conference2022 International Conference on Electrical and Computing Technologies and Applications, ICECTA 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityRas Al Khaimah
Period11/23/2211/25/22

Keywords

  • Mental Stress
  • SCWT
  • Welch power spectrum
  • fNIRS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Signal Processing
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Control and Optimization

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