Measuring electrodermal activity (EDA)

Electrodermal activity, or EDA, describes the electrical conductance of the skin. In practice, it is a signal related to sweat gland activity, which is influenced by the autonomic nervous system.

In Aidlab, EDA is available only with Aidlab 2. Older Aidlab devices do not support this measurement.

How it works

Aidlab 2 measures skin conductance while the device is worn and stores the result in microsiemens (µS). The data can be shown as a current reading and as measurement history if the device was connected to the app or synchronized the stored data later.

EDA is not the same as stress level. It is a raw physiological signal that can change with arousal, emotions, temperature, sweating, movement, and electrode contact with the skin.

Requirements

• You are using Aidlab 2.
• Aidlab 2 is worn correctly and has good skin contact.
• The Aidlab app is connected to the device or synchronizes data after the measurement.
• The skin and electrodes are not completely dry, dirty, or lifted away from the body.

If the reading is unstable, adjust the device position and wait a moment. EDA is usually more useful as a trend than as a single value.

See also: Stress monitoring.