Using feature extraction and electromyography to evaluate affect during simulation

Objective judgment and decision-making is an essential component for success in high stress environments such as defense, aviation and emergency medical response. Emotions such as fear and anxiety unless they are controlled can overwhelm even the most highly trained professional. Training designed to support and strengthen professionals against skill degradation through stress now often involves simulation where highly dangerous situations such as combat and critical medical emergencies can be safely replicated. However despite the growing popularity of advanced training simulations, methods for evaluating their use rely heavily on subjective measures or analysis of final outcomes. This paper describes the technical aspects of pilot work recently undertaken to develop a new objective measurement tool designed to track individual affective levels during simulation-based training