ABSTRACT
In the quest to uncover biological cues that help explain organic changes brought on by an external stimulus, like stress, new technologies have become necessary. The Laser Speckle Contrast Analysis (LASCA) approach is one of these technologies that may be used to analyze biological data, including respiratory rate (RR) intervals, and then use the results to determine heart rate variability (HRV Thus, to evaluate the stress brought on by physical activity, this study used the LASCA approach. A stress induction procedure involving physical exertion was employed, and the results were compared to other established techniques (cortisol analysis and ECG signal) to verify the LASCA methodology as a tool for measuring HRV and stress. The study sample comprised 27 willing participants. The technique involving LASCA allowed for the non-invasive (non-contact) acquisition of HRV and the study of stress. Furthermore, it made it possible to gather pertinent data, such as recognizing modifications to the thermoregulation, peripheral vasomotor tonus, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems that were brought on by elevated stress and, as a result, variations in HRV readings.