WACARDIA: graphical MATLAB software for Wireless Assessment of CARDiac
Interoceptive Accuracy
Abstract
Many theories of psychological function emphasize the importance of
bodily sensations and the ability to accurately detect them, known as
interoceptive accuracy. The most common measure of interoceptive
accuracy uses heartbeat detection tasks such as the Whitehead Task, yet
to our knowledge there are no freely accessible programs to conduct this
task. In this paper, we present novel software called WACARDIA (Wireless
Assessment of CARDiac Interoceptive Accuracy), which is free,
open-source software that conducts the heartbeat detection task using
Matlab and Psychtoolbox. WACARDIA contains several key features
supporting participant engagement, operator convenience, and measurement
accuracy. First, the program includes an optional practice trial of
unlimited duration, a participant-facing graphical interface, and the
ability to perform heartbeat detection training. Second, the operator is
provided with a graphical user interface, live trial feedback, an
accurate wireless electrocardiogram device, and a separate program to
conduct the related Heartbeat Tracking task. Finally, the program
ensures the accuracy of collected data by scheduling the delivery of
tones with high precision and implementing fail-safes to automatically
reset erroneous measurements. This paper includes flowcharts that help
create transparency by describing our algorithm. We also outline
customizable aspects of the program with the intent to have WACARDIA’s
algorithm expanded to accommodate more situations and applications. With
this paper, we hope to encourage the practice of publicizing research
software to contribute to the transparency, rigor, and reproducibility
of scientific studies. WACARDIA and video tutorials are available at
http://wacardia.iankleckner.com.