What it Measures?

What Does an SRE Measure?

Brain Waves
This portion of the exam concerns the ability of the brain to be busy when necessary and to rest when necessary. Stress events like the math test , noises and breathing execise require brain activity (increased Beta) and when relaxed, increased Alpha/Theta.

Heart Rate Variability
Heart rate variability is an effective method of measuring stress effects in your patient's life. Research has established that HRV is also a good methosd of measuring the effectiveness of Chiropractic care.

Heart Rate
We have long been aware of the importance of heart rate in maintaining good health responses; however, just taking a person's pulse isn't enough information to tell us what happens during stress situations. The stress test gives us a chance to see what speeds up the heart rate, and how quickly it can return to normal. There is a direct relationship between breathing and heart rates.

Skin Conductance
The amount of moisture produced by the sweat glands in the hands is a direct result of stress. More hand moisture means a higher stress response. We can measure your ability to reduce the effects of your stressors. This means improved neurological responses.

Temperature
The normal response to stress is for the body to withdraw blood volume from the extremities and pool it in the organs. This action reduces the temperature in the hands and feet.

Respiration Rate
While we are aware of changes in respiration rate during exertion, we seldom use it as a measurement of health. As there is a relationship between stress and oxygen requirement, the respiratory rate is very important. The pattern of breathing is equally as important such as chest elevation versus diaphragmatic breathing.

Muscle Activity
We can measure muscle activity throughout the body in both relaxed resting mode or in active motion mode. The trapezius and the muscles of the face are good indicators of over-tightened muscles due to stress responses.