29th Annual Student Research Conference
Does Hand Position Affect Blood Volume Pulse Amplitude (BVPA) and Skin Conductance Measurements?
Zachary M. Meehan* and Matthew Mannion
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
When monitoring blood volume pulse amplitude (BVPA) and skin conductance level (SCL), clinicians may instruct clients to place their palms up or down. This within-subjects study investigated whether hand position affects BVPA and SCL measurements. Thirty-six undergraduates, 21 women, 15 men, ages 18 to 26, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to start recording with either their hands placed palms down or palms up on the thighs, and then switch to the opposite position. BVPA and SCL were measured using a Thought Technology ProCompTM Infiniti system. BVPA recorded from the left hand, but not the right hand, was greater with palms down than with palms up. Hand position did not affect SCL recorded from either hand. These data show that left hand position can affect BVPA and that clinicians should standardize this variable to allow comparison among successive measurements.
Keywords: Blood Volume Pulse, Skin Conductance, Hand Position, Biofeedback
Topic(s):Psychology
Biology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 11-5
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30