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Football Fan Becomes Human Guinea Pig in Pub
23 Jun
Summary
- Researchers used a football match to monitor a fan's physical changes.
- Probes measured heart rate, blood pressure, and brain blood flow.
- Saliva samples were tested for stress hormones and proteins.
In a Bristol pub, a dedicated football fan volunteered to become a subject for a unique scientific experiment during an England match. Researchers Prof. Damian Bailey and PhD student Danny Walmsley equipped the fan with an array of scientific instruments, including probes on the arm and head to measure blood flow to the brain. Absorbent sticks were used to collect saliva for protein and stress hormone analysis. Additional devices monitored breathing rate and carbon dioxide output.
The experiment was designed to capture the fan's physiological responses second-by-second throughout the game. As the match unfolded, a six-goal thriller with significant emotional swings, the monitoring equipment recorded the fan's reactions. Initial readings showed a heart rate of approximately 54 beats per minute and blood pressure of 115 over 75, indicating a relaxed state despite the crowd. The experiment aimed to observe stress responses, excitement, and anxiety.
