Development of computer based ballistocardiography system

Ballistocardiography is a measurement method which monitors physiologic parameters such as heart rate and respiration through measuring the vibrations caused by heart beat. In this study, a computer based system which enables monitoring the changes in the heart rate and respiration without any electrical connection with the patient is introduced. It is examined whether this system can be used in monitoring the heart beat velocity and respiration through making comparisons with a commercial data acquisition system. During the study, it is observed that heart beat velocity is determined with a maximum 5% error and respiration frequency with a maximum 5.8%. Furthermore, respiratory standstill can be detected with this system. According to these results, it could be concluded that the system can be used as pre- diagnosis with the aim of monitoring respiration disorders during sleep.