How is stress "bio-data" collected?
Optimal Office measures individual stress through a patented bio-sensor built into a computer mouse, called a SensDevice. Based on 25 years of experience with miniaturized skin sensors, Logisens sensors measure with the necessary precision to give reliable feedback to create awareness and conduct trainings even during movements of the user. Here's how it works:

Skin Conductance
The physiological data that Optimal Office™ measures from the thumb of the user is the skin conductance level (SCL). It is a physiological measure for mental stress. Skin conductance, also called galvanic skin response, is the measurement of skin conductivity from the fingers and/or palms. The SLC is highly sensitive to emotions in almost all people. Measuring SLC in real time (biofeedback) is used in sports peak performance, clinical stress management, and polygraph lie detectors. The activity of the glands in the palms is an expression of activity of the vagus nerve, and as such, an expression of psychological or mental agitation. Any agitation is almost immediately visible in the activity of the glands. In the context of an office this is usually an expression of stress. In 0.5 to 3 seconds after activation, sweat  reaches the surface of the skin and changes the skin conductance.

Measurement of Active Sweat Glands
The first SensDevice electrode contacts the skin and covers sweat gland outlets. A micro-current from the sensor follows the sweat in the gland canals into the deeper levels of the skin which conduct extremely well (1,000 times greater conductance than the epidermis). The current then moves back out, through other active glands which are covered by a second electrode. The measured voltage corresponds directly to the skin conductance. When a stressor occurs the sweat channels fill up more and a peak in skin conductance appears. The more sweat produced, the easier it is for the micro current to find its way and the higher the skin conductance. As relaxation begins, no more sweat is produced. The sweat dries out, is absorbed by the tissue and skin conductance decreases.

Influences
The patented Logisens sensors are designed to overcome variations in movement, pressure and surrounding temperature. Based on 25 years of experience with miniaturized skin sensors, Logisens sensors measure with the necessary precision to give reliable feedback to create awareness and conduct trainings even during movements of the user.

Training Goals
For stress management the user needs to train to NOT fire his or her sweat glands, which means little activity of the vagus nerve which means little mental agitation. In an office environment this usually translates into less stress.