The 2023 wearable photoplethysmography roadmap

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Wearable Technology
• Physiological Monitoring

Background:

• Photoplethysmography (PPG) is integral to wearable devices like smartwatches.
• Current applications include heart rate monitoring and activity tracking (sleep, exercise).
• PPG technology holds untapped potential for comprehensive health and wellbeing insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline research and development directions for maximizing wearable photoplethysmography potential.
• To guide researchers in advancing PPG technology for broader health applications.

Main Methods:

• Expert-led roadmap development.
• Discussion of key topics in sensor design, signal processing, and clinical applications.
• Identification of future research directions.

Main Results:

• Identified critical areas for PPG research and development.
• Highlighted the potential for PPG to inform clinical decision-making.
• Provided guidance for researchers in the field.

Conclusions:

• Wearable photoplethysmography (PPG) offers significant potential beyond current uses.
• Further research in sensor design, signal processing, and clinical applications is crucial.
• This roadmap provides a strategic direction for realizing the full capabilities of PPG technology.