Assessing the potential of electrodermal activity as an alternative access pathway

An embedded multiple-case study was conducted with six able-bodied participants to evaluate the potential of electrodermal activity (EDA) as an alternative access pathway to electronic aids to daily living. Electrodermal signals were recorded while participants alternated between rest and three different mental or breathing exercises. In a subsequent experimental session, the exercise exerting the greatest influence on EDA was used to volitionally generate an 'active' state. Two classification algorithms, namely, a probabilistic classifier and a handcrafted rule base were developed and tailored to each individual's physiological patterns to discriminate between participant states. Through cross-validation, participant state was correctly identified to an accuracy exceeding 80% using either classification algorithm. This result demonstrates that consciously controlled EDA could conceivably serve as a binary switch, and encourages further research towards EDA-based alternative access for people who are locked-in.