Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: Sep 01, 2016

A Guide to Cleaner Skin Temperature Recordings and More Versatile Use of Your Thermistor

PhD, BCB,
DC, and
PhD, BCB
Page Range: 168 – 176
DOI: 10.5298/1081-5937-44.3.06
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Valid peripheral temperature measurements ensure the integrity of client assessment and biofeedback training. Accurate measurements require understanding of the signal and potential influences on measurement fidelity, and developing bulletproof monitoring procedures. In addition to their use in temperature biofeedback, thermistors can assist heart rate variability biofeedback practice and monitor breathing when a respirometer is not available.

Keywords: biofeedback; peripheral temperature; tracking test
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Copyright: © Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback
<bold>Figure 1</bold>
Figure 1

Vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

<bold>Figure 2</bold>
Figure 2

Comparison of photoplethysmograph and thermistor signals.

<bold>Figure 3</bold>
Figure 3

Comparison of thermistor and passive infrared (pIR) signals.

<bold>Figure 4</bold>
Figure 4

Infrared thermometer monitoring a vasoconstricted thumb.

<bold>Figure 5</bold>
Figure 5

Thermistor placement at the fingertip.

<bold>Figure 6</bold>
Figure 6

Thermistor warming due to contact with the thigh.

<bold>Figure 7</bold>
Figure 7

Thermistor decoupling due to movement.

<bold>Figure 8</bold>
Figure 8

Effect of hand position with respect to the heart on skin temperature.

<bold>Figure 9</bold>
Figure 9

Temperature stabilization.

<bold>Figure 10</bold>
Figure 10

Respirometer and nasal thermistor waveforms.

Fredric Shaffer

Didier Combatalade

Erik Peper

Contributor Notes

Correspondence: Fredric Shaffer, PhD, BCB, Truman State University, Center for Applied Psychophysiology, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, email: fredricshaffer@gmail.com.