Photoplethysmograph (PPG) derived heart rate (HR) acquisition using an Android smart phone

Abstract

Smart phone OEM camera technology enables PPG measurement of HR. HR readings acquired by a Motorola Droid#8482; using a self-developed Android HR application were compared to HR readings acquired by an electrocardiograph (ECG) and Nonin 9560BT pulse oximeter during three 5 min. periods (rest, reading aloud, video game). Subjects were 14, 20--58 year olds. Across all conditions, and device pairings correlations (rs≥.99). Bland-Altman plots revealed that 95% of the data points (differences between devices) fell within the limits of agreement when the Droid was compared to ECG. Lack of electrode patches or sensor telemetric straps and general ease of use make it advantageous for use in monitoring adherence to m-Health delivered health promotion and wellness programs (e.g., anxiety reduction, meditation, yoga, tai chi, etc.).