Physiology
What becomes measurable during a stress response
When a situation is perceived as demanding or threatening, the autonomic nervous system mobilises physical resources. Heart rate and breathing may increase, sweat glands become more active, muscles tense and blood flow in the skin may change.
A recovery phase normally follows a limited demand. The measured signals move back towards their baseline. The size of the response and the speed of recovery vary between people and situations.
A psychophysiological stress profile records several signals at the same time. It creates a timeline in which baseline, response to tasks and subsequent recovery can be compared.
Process
How a stress profile is recorded
The measurement follows a structured sequence. Resting periods alternate with short tasks and recovery periods.
1. Baseline
The selected signals are first recorded during a resting period. This section provides a reference point for the tasks that follow.
2. Tasks
Cognitive or emotionally demanding tasks produce a time-limited activation. The curves show which signals respond and how clearly they change.
3. Recovery
Each task is followed by a resting period. This shows whether the signals move towards baseline and how quickly that happens.
4. Joint review
The practitioner discusses the curves alongside the clinical history, symptoms and relevant situation. This may guide the choice of biofeedback exercises.
Measurement channels
What the curve shows for each signal
Breathing
Under load the breathing rate often rises before the person notices it. The recovery period then shows whether the pattern settles again.
Heart rate and HRV
The phase after the task carries the information. A heart rate that stays raised with low HRV points to slow recovery.
Skin conductance
This signal responds within seconds, so it shows which single task provoked the strongest reaction. Repeated peaks during a rest phase suggest sustained tension.
Peripheral temperature
Temperature responds slowly and needs minutes. A drop across the tasks and a slow return during recovery show how long the activation persists.
Muscle activity, EMG
The curve shows whether tension in the shoulders, forehead or jaw actually falls between tasks or stays at a raised level.
Biofeedback
How the measurement supports practice
The stress profile shows which signals respond most clearly in the situation being examined or recover more slowly. The practitioner can use this information to select a relevant measurement channel for biofeedback sessions.
During an exercise, visual or auditory feedback changes with the signal. The person tries a specific strategy, such as a breathing exercise, and can see immediately whether the measured response changes.
Several short rounds help the person recognise the response and repeat an approach that fits. Follow-up measurements show how the pattern develops across sessions.
- Which signal responds first or most clearly during a task?
- How does the pattern change after the task has ended?
- Which exercise produces an observable change in the selected signal?