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Acquiring Wearable Photoplethysmography Data in Daily Life: The PPG Diary Pilot Study †
Peter H Charlton1,2,3, Panicos Kyriacou2, Jonathan Mant1
1Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK.
Engineering Proceedings
|March 29, 2021
Summary
This pilot study shows acquiring photoplethysmogram (PPG) data during daily life is feasible. Future research should focus on device improvements and data collection strategies for robust PPG signal acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wearable Technology
- Physiological Monitoring
Background:
- Photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals are crucial for heart rate monitoring via wearables.
- Emerging applications include detecting arrhythmias, infectious diseases, and blood pressure.
- Datasets of daily-life PPG signals are essential for algorithm development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of collecting PPG data during everyday activities.
- To identify challenges and best practices for in-home PPG data acquisition.
Main Methods:
- A single subject wore a wrist-worn PPG sensor for four weeks, six days a week.
- The subject maintained a diary of daily activities.
- Data acquisition duration and signal quality were assessed.
Main Results:
- The PPG sensor was worn 75.0% of the time, with signals acquired 60.6% of the time.
- High-quality signals were obtained for 30.5% of the acquisition time.
- Feasibility of daily-life PPG data collection was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Waterproof devices and less frequent charging can improve data acquisition time.
- On-device storage or reliable data streaming is recommended.
- Collecting data during rest or nighttime may enhance signal quality.
- PPG holds promise for developing algorithms for cardiovascular monitoring.
