Viabilidade do uso de um sistema interativo desenvolvido para aliviar estresse e melhorar desempenho

Abstract

The goal of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of using a developed interactive biofeedback system functioning as a therapeutic tool to relieve stress and improve performance through a cardiovascular intervention. When using the device, the user learns to synchronize Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia with the heart rate pattern. When there is greater variability of heart rate, there is a greater balance between the influence of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system on the heart. Generally, there is a greater variability of heart rate under relaxation and breathing in a regular and slow pattern. Stress is one of the factors that most affects employee income. Therapies are recommended to relieve stress, but due to having an intense work routine, there is no time to conduct daily therapy with a psychology professional. Therefore, a system that can be used at work or even at home, becomes an effective tool to learn how to control breathing and consequently heart rate. Through an interactive method, the user learns to relax by controlling the breath and after some time, the user becomes independent of the device thus improving his work performance and quality of life. In this work a system composed of hardware and software was developed. Being the hardware consists of an electronic circuit designed to connect to an Arduino UNO and both are connected to a heart rate sensor and a skin impediment. The command code was developed on the Arduino environment. Tests were conducted with 20 volunteers from a sector of 36 employees The results of the tests performed with the CEMIG employees, to evaluate the viability of the developed system, describe a reduction in heart rate which means a reduction in stress levels. Keywords: Biofeedback, training, frequency, stress.