Long-term quasi-continuous oxygen saturation levels obtained from sternal photoplethysmography on patients with obstructive lung diseases.

Calculation of long-term quasi-continuous oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels is highly relevant for critically ill patients. The purpose of this study is therefore to conduct a preliminary investigation of the clinical reliability of long-term photoplethysmography (PPG) recordings obtained from the sternum of patients admitted to the hospital with obstructive lung diseases. Due to the lack of a gold standard reference that is suitable for long-term monitoring without interfering with the patient's activity level, we extracted reliable segments based on knowledge from the basic pulse oximeter theory as well as knowledge about the inherent physiological regulation of the SpO2 levels.

Neck and shoulder muscle activity and posture among helicopter pilots and crew-members during military helicopter flight.

Neck pain among helicopter pilots and crew-members is common. This study quantified the physical workload on neck and shoulder muscles using electromyography (EMG) measures during helicopter flight. Nine standardized sorties were performed, encompassing: cruising from location A to location B (AB) and performing search and rescue (SAR).

Estimation of respiratory rates based on photoplethysmographic measurements at the sternum.

The respiratory rate (RR) is a clinically important vital sign and is a frequently used parameter in the general hospital wards. In current clinical practice, the monitoring of the RR is by manual count of the chest movement for one minute. This paper addresses a new approach where the respiratory rate is extracted using photoplethysmography (PPG) on the chest bone (sternum).

A clinical study of short-term sternal photoplethysmography: Recordings from patients with obstructive airways diseases.

Traditionally, measurements of the oxygen saturation (SO) has been confound to the extremities. In this study, we therefore investigated the possibility for reliable estimation of clinically relevant SO levels from photoplethysmography (PPG) obtained on the sternum of patients with obstructive airway diseases. We initiated the study with a calibration of a prototype sternal PPG sensor.

Sternal pulse rate variability compared with heart rate variability on healthy subjects.

The heart rate variability (HRV) is a commonly used method to quantify the sympathetic and the parasympathetic modulation of the heart rate. HRV is mainly conducted on electrocardiograms (ECG). However, the use of photo-plethysmography (PPG) as a marker of the autonomic tone is emerging.

Postural control and shoulder steadiness in F-16 pilots: a randomized controlled study.

Background: During maneuvering, fighter pilots experience loads of up to 50-70 kg on their necks. Neck disorders are common and have been linked to impairment in muscle control. We conducted an intervention study introducing targeted training for 24 wk that reduced neck pain.

Increased neck muscle activity and impaired balance among females with whiplash-related chronic neck pain: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate neck muscle activity and postural control in patients with whiplash-associated disorder compared with healthy controls.

Design: Cross-sectional study with convenience sampling.

Subjects: Ten females with whiplash-associated disorder (age 37.