Non-invasive estimation of cardiovascular parameters using ballistocardiography

Ballistocardiography is a non-invasive technique to estimate heart function and relative changes in cardiac output. The goal of this study was to establish the relationship between ballistocardiogram (BCG) parameters and changes in cardiovascular parameters. A group of 20 subjects performed three different exercises on a force plate. In this study, we have characterized the significant differences induced by static and dynamic squats, and controlled respiration exercises on BCG parameters such as IJ-amplitude and RJ-time. The dynamic squat exercise induced the largest changes in IJ-amplitude (107-123% higher) and the RJ-time (21-23% lower). Furthermore, the IJ-amplitude of the BCG signal was found to be positively related to the cardiac output.