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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
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Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
A microcomputer-based data acquisition system for ECG, body and ambient temperatures measurement during bathing.
Y Uokawa1, Y Yonezawa, W M Caldwell
1Dept. of Electronics Engineering, Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Japan.
Biomedical Sciences Instrumentation
|June 2, 2000
Summary
A novel, compact data acquisition system monitors heart rate variability and temperature during bathing. This wearable device uses a low-power microcomputer for continuous physiological data collection.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Physiological Monitoring
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is crucial for assessing autonomic nervous system function.
- Monitoring physiological responses during activities like bathing requires portable and unobtrusive systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a low-power, compact data acquisition system for monitoring heart rate variability (HRV) and temperature.
- To enable continuous physiological data collection before, during, and after bathing.
Main Methods:
- A system using a low-power 8-bit single chip microcomputer (SMC), chest electrodes, and temperature sensors was designed.
- ECG and temperature data were digitized at 1 ms and 1 second rates, respectively.
- Data were stored on a 4 MB compact flash memory (CFM) powered by a rechargeable lithium battery.
Main Results:
- The developed system is compact (4 x 11 x 1 cm, 44 cc) and lightweight (100 g).
- It successfully acquired and stored ECG and temperature data.
- The system is powered by a rechargeable 3.6 V lithium battery for extended use.
Conclusions:
- A functional, low-power data acquisition system for HRV and temperature monitoring during bathing has been developed.
- The system's small size, low weight, and data storage capabilities make it suitable for ambulatory physiological monitoring.
- This technology can facilitate research into the physiological effects of bathing.
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