Pulse arrival time estimation based on fundamental frequency component extraction

Abstract

All definitions of PAT estimation are based on high quality PPG signals but when subject movement is involved, for example, during orthostatic test, movement artifacts dominate the PPG signal and estimation of PAT becomes complicated. The aim of this study is to compare two different PAT estimation methods: the proposed method which is based on instantaneous phase shift estimation between extracted fundamental frequency components from ECG and PPG signals and a classical method (PPG derivative maximum). The results confirm the potential of the new method to estimate PAT during orthostatic test. Our study indicates that depending which PAT definition is used the increase or decrease in blood pressure can be observed. This controversial result asks for additional study.