BEDA: Visual analytics for behavioral and physiological data

We present BEDA, a tool to help researchers synchronize, visualize, and analyze data sources for single or multiple sessions of behavioral and physiological data. We developed this tool to assist in a study exploring the efficacy of sensory integration (SI) therapy in a school setting. The tool integrates human-coded behavioral data and sensor-generated physiological data from therapy sessions in a 12-week longitudinal study. SI, as a specialty area of occupational therapy, has been widely used to help individuals with developmental disabilities that have difficulties regulating sensory input and modulating arousal levels. There is a lack of research supporting the use of SI; we chose to explore SI further using physiological measures in addition to traditional measures. Conducting studies that rely on many modes of data (video, audio, human-coded behavioral data, physiological measures, etc.) becomes an organizational challenge, especially over a period of several months. Some of these challenges arise in the synchronization, visualization, and analysis of the multiple data sources. BEDA aims to facilitate easier data analysis. Early feedback suggests this tool has potential in clinical and research settings. To date, we have not found evidence that pressure vests increase engagement or decrease undesired behaviors in our school setting. We have also not found correlations between pressure vest use and our physiological measures. Keywords—Visual analytics; behavioral coding; physiological data analysis; sensory integration therapy; single-subject research design; longitudinal data analysis