Arterial pulse waves measured with EMFi and PPG sensors and comparison of the pulse waveform spectral and decomposition analysis in healthy young and elderly subjects

The purpose of this study is to show the time domain and frequency domain analysis of signals recorded with electromechanical film (EMFi) and photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensors in arterial elasticity estimation via pulse wave decomposition and spectral components obtained from left forefinger, left wrist, and left second toe arteries. ECG and pulse waves from the subjects were recorded firstly from 20 voluntaries by PPG sensors and from 7 persons (30– 60 y) by parallel EMFi and PPG sensors in supine position. Decomposition of the pulse waves produces five components: percussion wave, tidal wave, dicrotic wave, and 1st and 2nd presystolic waves. Pulse wave decomposition parameters between EMFi and PPG are compared to find out information on a person’s arterial elasticity. Results show that elastic information in the form of pulse wave decomposition from PPG waves is obtainable and shows clear shortening between percussion wave and tidal wave time with age. The spectral information obtained with frequency domain analysis could also be valuable in assessing the arterial elasticity.