Ballistocardiogaphic studies with acceleration and electromechanical film sensors.

The purpose of this research is to demonstrate and compare the utilization of electromechanical film (EMFi) and two acceleration sensors, ADXL202 and MXA2500U, for ballistocardiographic (BCG) and pulse transit time (PTT) studies. We have constructed a mobile physiological measurement station including amplifiers and a data collection system to record the previously mentioned signals and an electrocardiogram signal. Various versions of the measuring systems used in BCG studies in the past are also presented and evaluated. We have showed the ability of the EMFi sensor to define the elastic properties of the cardiovascular system and to ensure the functionality of the proposed instrumentation in different physiological loading conditions, before and after exercise and sauna bath. The EMFi sensor provided a BCG signal of good quality in the study of the human heart and function of the cardiovascular system with different measurement configurations. EMFi BCG measurements provided accurate and repeatable results for the different components of the heart cycle. In multiple-channel EMFi measurements, the carotid and limb pulse signals acquired were detailed and distinctive, allowing accurate PTT measurements. Changes in blood pressure were clearly observed and easily determined with EMFi sensor strips in pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements. In conclusion, the configuration of the constructed device provided reliable measurements of the electrocardiogram, BCG, heart sound, and carotid and ankle pulse wave signals. Attached EMFi sensor strips on the neck and limbs yield completely new applications of the EMFi sensors aside from the conventional seat and supine recordings. Higher sensitivity, ease of utilization, and minimum discomfort of the EMFi sensor compared with acceleration sensors strengthen the status of the EMFi sensor for accurate and reliable BCG and PWV measurements, providing novel evaluation of the elastic properties of the cardiovascular system.

Ballistocardiography in sitting and horizontal positions.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of posture in the sitting and supine positions on ballistocardiography (BCG) measurements by using EMFi (electromechanical film) sensors. The experiment, measuring the subject's electrocardiography (ECG), BCG and carotid pulse (CP) signal, was repeated in the sitting and different horizontal positions. Additionally, the duration and the amplitudes of the BCG and CP signal components were studied. Certain properties of BCG differed significantly in the sitting and horizontal positions. Amplitudes of measured signals were larger, and time intervals were greater in the sitting position compared to the supine position. Thus, posture significantly influences cardiac performance evaluated by BCG. Sitting and supine positions are clearly distinguishable in the BCG signal. This provides new methods for evaluation of the hemodynamic changes induced by the body position.