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predict eye-tracking simply by evaluating these two
HRV spectral parameters. Reliability, computed as
Balanced Classification Accuracy (BCA), proved
remakably high for this SVM model.
The training set size (220 instances) warrants
caution and additional research on large datasets is
advisable. Although preliminary, our results are
quite interesting and encouraging because the
reliability obtained on an independent data set (383
instances).
The correlation between the physiological status
(as indicated by the HRV descriptors) and eye-
tracking nevertheless appears applicable to mark
with better precision the evolution from the
vegetative to the miniman conscious state and
reduce misdiagnosis.
Further research is planned to assess the criterion
diagnostic reliability and the suitability of extended
application to calibrate type and timing of (visual)
stimulation paradigms potentially supporting
recovery of consciousness in VS and MCS patients.
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