Noninvasive photoplethysmography monitoring in free-moving rats

Abstract

In this study, a noninvasive dynamic physiological monitoring system was proposed to assess animal disease prevention models. Most contemporary remote animal dynamic physiological monitoring systems are invasive by nature, and require the implantation of sensors in rats. This technique is prone to infections and makes continued data collection difficult. Contrarily, the proposed noninvasive system uses photoplethysmographic signals that are amplified in three stages (front end) in conjunction with an adaptive filter (back end) to offset the signal distortion caused by vibrations. The accuracy of the system was subsequently tested by measuring the heart rate of a test animal in both anesthetized and free-moving states. The proposed system has the advantage of low wearing interference. In addition, it is also more stable and durable than invasive systems. Therefore, the system is expected to provide a convenient and effective tool for physiologists of basic clinical studies.