Cardiorespiratory dynamic response to mental stress: a multivariate time-frequency analysis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Evaluation of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Wrist Wearables to Estimate Stress on Students
Published on: June 16, 2018
Devy Widjaja1, Michele Orini2, Elke Vlemincx3
1KU Leuven, Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), STADIUS, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, P.O. Box 2446, 3001 Leuven, Belgium ; iMinds, Future Health Department, Kasteelpark Arenberg 10, P.O. Box 2446, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Mental stress is a growing problem in our society. In order to deal with this, it is important to understand the underlying stress mechanisms. In this study, we aim to determine how the cardiorespiratory interactions are affected by mental arithmetic stress and attention. We conduct cross time-frequency (TF) analyses to assess the cardiorespiratory coupling. In addition, we introduce partial TF spectra to separate variations in the RR interval series that are linearly related to respiration from RR interval variations (RRV) that are not related to respiration. The performance of partial spectra is evaluated in two simulation studies. Time-varying parameters, such as instantaneous powers and frequencies, are derived from the computed spectra. Statistical analysis is carried out continuously in time to evaluate the dynamic response to mental stress and attention. The results show an increased heart and respiratory rate during stress and attention, compared to a resting condition. Also a fast reduction in vagal activity is noted. The partial TF analysis reveals a faster reduction of RRV power related to (3 s) than unrelated to (30 s) respiration, demonstrating that the autonomic response to mental stress is driven by mechanisms characterized by different temporal scales.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological Responses to Stress
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Components of Stress
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress Response System
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...

