Non-invasive BCG monitoring for non-traditional settings

Abstract

This paper presents the results from actual measurements of cardiac activity acquired through the use of noninvasive sensors to detect Ballistocardiogram (BCG). The results show that it is feasible to unobtrusively monitor heart rate in non-standard settings such as waiting rooms or at school using simple chairs fitted with capacitive sensors. The selected sensors, based on electromechanical principles, are able to measure BCG from a variety of subjects. We present the results for 114 participants from homes, school and a hospital waiting room, adding up over 815 minutes of data.