Examination of the Skin Conductance Level (SCL) as an Index of the Activity of the Sympathetic Nervous System for Application in the Continous Blood Pressure Measurement

Abstract

This paper displays standardized measurements to examine the skin conductance level (SCL) as an index for the sympathetic nervous system's activity considering a possible standardization of personal variability. SCL measurements were performed at baseline, Cold-Pressor-Tests and Stroop Tests for 15 subjects and inter-and intra-individual mean SCL values were examined. The logarithmic representation displays a high inter-individual variability, denoted by a high fluctuation range of the absolute values and SCL amplitudes. A standardization of inter-individuality could not be achieved by the applied methods (range correction and z-transformation). For the relative intra-individual comparison of the stress situation to the baseline, a method of correction for the determination of the real effect of sympathetic activation was established. EDA should be combined with other parameters of the ANS for a more precise evaluation of stress situations in the context of changes in blood pressure.