Physiological Biomarkers Associated with Psychological Activation: A Statistical Analysis of Wearable-Derived Signals
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Resumen
Introduction: Physiological activation, reflected in autonomic regulation, is a key component of emotional and stress-related processes. Wearable technologies enable continuous monitoring of biometric signals in real-world settings, offering a scalable approach to capturing objective physiological correlates of activation. These processes are also relevant in the context of gut–brain interaction, where autonomic dynamics link physiological and emotional states. Objective: To assess the association between wearable-derived physiological biomarkers—heart rate variability (HRV), heart rate (HR), and skin temperature—in relation to self-reported activation states, while evaluating the consistency of activation-related physiological patterns across different wearable devices. Materials and Methods: Data from 1,000 adults in Chile were analyzed. Physiological signals were obtained using commercial wearable devices (Fitbit, Xiaomi, Oura) and a medical-grade device (Empatica). Activation states were categorized as High or Low based on self-reported arousal at the time of measurement. Statistical analyses focused on correlation, group comparisons, and regression analyses. Results: HRV showed a strong inverse association with activation (r = -0.62, p < 0.001), while HR was positively associated (r = 0.55, p < 0.001), and temperature demonstrated a weaker but significant relationship (r = 0.18, p = 0.02). Regression analyses confirmed HRV and HR as the strongest independent correlates of activation (OR = 0.72 and 1.34, respectively; both p < 0.001), whereas temperature showed a more modest association (OR = 1.18, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Wearable-derived physiological biomarkers capture a robust and consistent pattern of autonomic activation characterized by reduced HRV and increased HR. These findings may also inform research on the brain–gut axis, where autonomic regulation plays a central role.
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.61155/gen.v80i2.820













