Comparison of BCG, PCG and ECG signals in application of heart rate monitoring of the human body

The aim of this article is evaluation and comparison of three different signals from three different sensors in application of monitoring the Heart Rate (HR) of the human body. Authors assembled two different types of fiber optic sensors. The first type of sensor uses Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and monitoring of heart rate is based on Ballistocardiography (BCG) principle. The second type of sensor utilizes fiber interferometer and monitoring of heart rate is based on Phonocardiography (PCG). Evaluation of signal from the first two types of sensors was acquired by proposed Optical Interrogators. In case of third type (reference signal), heart rate signal was acquired with the use of standard gel electrodes and modules fixed to the monitored person's chest using a real-time monitoring system for an Electrocardiography (ECG) with virtual instrumentation (National Instruments ELVIS II). The experimental tests were carried out on six subjects of both sexes in a laboratory conditions with their written consent. The obtained data were compared objectively by the Bland-Altman method.