Heartbeat dynamics and its spontaneous fluctuations are directly controlled by autonomic nervous system (ANS) outflow to the heart. Specifically, the multipath feedback system for neural control of the heart is manifested by the complex interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic (vagal) limbs of the ANS.
Through their dynamical interplay, the brain and the heart ensure fundamental homeostasis and mediate a number of physiological functions as well as their disease-related aberrations. Although a vast number of ad hoc analytical and computational tools have been recently applied to the non-invasive characterization of brain and heart dynamic functioning, little attention has been devoted to combining information to unveil the interactions between these two physiological systems.
Many studies have been conducted on muscular fatigue. Muscular force production is mainly controlled by two phenomena: the recruitment of additional motor units (MUs) and the increase of firing rate of the already active MUs. These phenomena happen in different proportions in different muscles. Specifically, in some muscles the recruitment of new MUs can be stopped at about 50% of the maximal force, while in others it can be observed until the maximal voluntary contraction force.
Affective Computing is a field of research that "relates to, arises from, or deliberately influences emotion or other affective phenomena" (Picard, MIT Press 1997).
Speech signal is a nonstationary signal that is generated by a complex phenomenon that is influenced by the autonomic and somatic nervous systems, through the modulation of breathing activity, vocal muscles tension, salivation and mucus secretion. Generally, phonatory system can be modelled according to the so-called source-filter theory of speech production. In this model the source is represented by pulsatile airflow or turbulent airflow generated by the modulating action of the vocal folds.
Computational Physiology & Biomedical Instruments Group, University of Pisa
Study Spotlight
SPIN-OFF
Feel-ING is a new start-up specialized in developing and implementing innovative Information and Communication Technology solutions for the optimization of the psychophysical performance and the promotion of wellbeing and mental health