The GSR Temp 2X Biofeedback Relaxation System

At first, I was impressed with how well the audio tone followed my level of relaxation.Then I noticed a glitch when using the GSR2 upside down (the manual said upside down was allowed). The more I relaxed - the tone actually got higher (not lower as expected). I deduced that this was because as my finger knuckles relaxed, it provided more surface contact with the sensors.As a design engineer, I'm familiar with lie detectors, so I decided to emulate finger tip galvanometers by strapping several rubber bands between my fingers and the GSR2. This test showed that no matter how deeply relaxed I became (I'm trained in deep relaxation techniques), the tone stayed constant in pitch. IE: constant pressure and surface area resulted in a constant tone.SUMMATION:There are two influences when measuring GSR. The "small grain" factor is the skin's actual electro-dermal activity. The large grain factor is the physical contact (surface area/ pressure) between the galvanometers and the fingers. Only when the large grain factor is maintained at a constant, can any meaningful data be extrapolated from the small grain variable. It is my belief that not only can't the GSR2 gauge the small grain data, but its tonal pitch relies totally on the large grain factor.It would be more accurate to state that the GSR2 expresses relaxation level by measuring the degree at which one's finger muscles relax as they're rested on top of the sensors. I could have just as easily held a rolled up magazine in my hand, and monitored how it begins to slip from my grip to determine how relaxed I've become.The GSR 2 sales rep that refunded my money asked me to write the above, so that he could send it to the device's design team. The team was then supposed to send me a rebuttal. That was 3 months ago. I never heard anything back.

This unit comes with two finger sensors you wear and it provides a very accurate gsr measurement. The temp affects your gsr activity too. $ for $ , gsr-2 is the best biofeedback device out there. It measures arousal, if you can learn to control your arousal state, you can control your attention, your state of mind. Try using audio support while you use the gsr-2, if you can. I brought two in the past 14 years.... Tried other devices too. They all worked to some extent, gsr-2 measures arousal best, learn to control it and you will be on thirdbase.... Close to home. Good luck

I designed the GSR2 in 1976. Yes, it has been around that long. Over the years over 600,000 were sold through the sharper Image, American express and dozens of other catalogs and to thousands of medical specialists, especially psychologists for use with their patients.Indeed, I used it to do my doctoral research with Angina patients at McGill University's teaching hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital Cardiology Department. It was used to teach Angina patients to control increases in heart rate and blood pressure which leads to pain, with great success.Does it accurately measure change in GSR activity. Absolutely. Is the change only due to movement artifact? Definitely not. You can clearly prove this using the extender electrodes which come with the GSR/Temp2 kit, since the Velcro band holds the electrodes in constant contact with your fingers. Similarly, if you followed the instructions in the manual which suggests the optional position of holding the unit upside down with the strap in place"Place your first two fingers limply on the sensing plates; your thumb goes underneath the unit. Never press down or squeeze. Only your natural touch is needed, as the unit is designed to allow full and even contact, even if your fingers do not cover the complete length of the plates. If your hand needs steadying, flip the strap up. The strap is not absolutely necessary, however, it is recommended that you use it. Use it only to stop hand movement and help you maintain a light, even pressure on the plates. To adjust band tightness, gently pull the band out on both sides. Many people prefer to allow the GSR 2 monitor to rest upside down in the palm of their hand. Some people use the remote electrodes, to permit stable monitoring even while moving their hand."The key is not to grasp the unit, but to let your hand rest gently on it or to let the unit rest gently in your hand.As to the customer who claimed non-reactivity with the 'elastic stabilized' GSR2, I strongly suggest you were not getting a changing tone, because you were NOT changing YOUR GSR level. The GSR2 is extremely sensitive to changes in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). A rising tone indicates increased SNS activity and stress; conversely, a falling tone indicates decreased activity and relaxation. This is due to changes in skin pore size and electrolyte concentration in the pores.If you question the efficacy of the GSR2, I suggest you look at the Thought Technology history page to see examples of how it has been used by 1000's of Olympic and professional athletes to teach relaxation and visualization skills for their sports, as well as by clinicians to use with their patients. Surely, they aren't training just movement artifact. I strongly suggest you test the unit again.I designed the GSR2 because at the time, there were only large unwieldy laboratory style devices that required external electrodes. My goal was to make something ergonomic, which was totally self-contained, would run for years on a single 9 volt battery and which could be expanded to work with external sensors for temperature, respiration, meter display and PC.In 1986, HES software sold our product for the PC as CalmPute. Leonard Nimoy was the spokesperson for company and was featured prominently on the CalmPute box. You can find loads more information at Thought Technology's website as well as just by doing a Google search.

I've been happy with this product. It takes practice to learn to change one's blood flow to the tips of the hands. This little device gives you the feedback needed to know if you are succeeding or not.