ECG

Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures heart rate. In the KiND lab, we are interested in ECG to look at how people react in different situations while experiencing different emotions. ECG involves placing electrodes on the chest with adhesive to “listen” to the heart. It listens to the tiny electrical signals your heart makes every time it beats. In the KiND lab, we are interested in Heart Rate Variability (HRV). HRV captures the small changes in time between each heartbeat. We are also interested in measuring Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA). RSA is a special kind of HRV that happens when we breathe.

The ECG electrodes are very safe to wear and do not send anything into the body. Sometimes the adhesive we use to stick the electrodes to the skin will cause some mild skin itchiness or redness. Removing electrodes can cause minor discomfort, though this is typically less painful than removing a band-aid.

​

Click here for our infographic on ECG and find out more on our FAQ page!