AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol 240, Issue 5 384-R392, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
A new method for long-term monitoring of the ballistocardiogram, heart rate, and respiration
J. Alihanka, K. Vaahtoranta and I. Saarikivi
The principle of the static charge-sensitive-bed (SCSB) method is
described. The method is simple and inexpensive. From the SCSB recording
the ballistocardiogram (BCG) and respiratory movement can be simultaneously
recorded by selective filtering of the original signal. The SCSB recording
thus enables continuous long-term monitoring of the BCG, heart rate,
respiratory rate, respiratory amplitude, and body movements. There are no
electrodes or cables connected to the subject. The SCSB-BCG signal was
studied by comparing the SCSB method with the conventional
ultralow-frequency (ULF) acceleration BCG. The wave forms at rest and the
amplitude responses to physical exercise were studied by both methods.
Multiple recordings of the BCG, heart rate, respiratory movement,
respiratory rate, and body movements after exercise and during sleep using
the SCSB method are presented. The SCSB method opens new approaches to
long-term studies of the regulation of myocardial performance, heart rate,
and respiration. Applications of the SCSB method for clinical sleep
studies, patient monitoring and cardiovascular screening examinations are
discussed.
