On-line anxiety level detection from biosignals: Machine learning based on a randomized controlled trial with spider-fearful individuals

PLoS One. 2020 Jun 23;15(6):e0231517. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231517. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

We present performance results concerning the validation for anxiety level detection based on trained mathematical models using supervised machine learning techniques. The model training is based on biosignals acquired in a randomized controlled trial. Wearable sensors were used to collect electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, and respiration from spider-fearful individuals. We designed and applied ten approaches for data labeling considering individual biosignals as well as subjective ratings. Performance results revealed a selection of trained models adapted for two-level (low and high) and three-level (low, medium and high) classification of anxiety using a minimal set of six features. We obtained a remarkable accuracy of 89.8% for the two-level classification and of 74.4% for the three-level classification using a short time window length of ten seconds when applying the approach that uses subjective ratings for data labeling. Bagged Trees proved to be the most suitable classifier type among the classification models studied. The trained models will have a practical impact on the feasibility study of an augmented reality exposure therapy based on a therapeutic game for the treatment of arachnophobia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Area Under Curve
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Machine Learning*
  • Phobic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Phobic Disorders / pathology
  • ROC Curve
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Spiders / physiology*
  • Telemedicine / methods
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This research is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research through an applied research grant (contract numbers 13GW0158B and 13GW0158C) within the program “Medical technology solutions for the digital healthcare”. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.