Fractional calculus integration for improved ECG modeling: A McSharry model expansion

This study introduces a new method for modeling electrocardiogram (ECG)¹ waveforms using Fractional Differential Equations (FDEs). By incorporating fractional calculus into the well-established McSharry model, the proposed approach achieves improved representation and high precision for a wide range of ECG waveforms. The research focuses on the impact of integrating fractional derivatives into Integer Differential Equation (IDE) models, enhancing the fidelity of ECG signal modeling.

To optimize the model's unknown parameters, a combination of the Predictor-Corrector method for solving FDEs and genetic algorithms for optimization is utilized. The effectiveness of the fractional-order model is assessed through distortion metrics, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the modeling quality.

Comparisons show that the fractional-order model outperforms the traditional McSharry IDE model in modeling quality and compression efficiency. It improves modeling quality by 48.40 % in MSE and compression efficiency by 23.18 % when applied on five beat types of MIT/BIH arrhythmia database. The fractional-order model demonstrates enhanced flexibility while preserving essential McSharry model characteristics, with fractional orders (α) ranging from 0.96 to 0.99 across five beat types.