A new mechanical sensor for detecting body activity and posture

One of the most popular rate-responsive pacing systems is activity-driven pacing. To optimize the rate behavior during exercise and to minimize false triggering, the authors studied a novel mechanical sensor. Exercise tests were performed on twelve volunteers and ten pacemaker patients. Additionally they investigated the behavior of the sensor during changes in body position. The results show that it is possible to discriminate clearly between rest phases, body positions, and types of exercise using this simple and inexpensively produced sensor. Thus it is possible to provide the pacemaker patient with an adequate rate not only during exercise but also during the night. With this sensor an immediate rate rise can be achieved to avoid orthostatic reactions when changing the body position from lying to standing.<>