Abstract
This study aimed to produce a prototype system for non-contact vital sign monitoring of the elderly using microwave radar with the intention of reducing the burdens on monitored individuals and nursing caregivers. In addition, we tested the ability of the proposed prototype system to measure the respiratory and heart rates of the elderly in a nursing home and discussed the systems effectiveness and problems by examining results of real-time monitoring. The prototype system consisted of two 24-GHz microwave radar antennas and an analysis system. The antennas were positioned below a mattress to monitor motion on the body surface for measuring cardiac and respiratory rates from the dorsal side of the subjects (23.3 ± 1.2 years) who would be lying on the mattress. The heart rates determined by the prototype system correlated significantly with those measured by electrocardiography (r = 0.92). Similarly, the respiratory rates determined by the prototype correlated with those obtained from respiration curves (r = 0.94). Next, we investigated the effectiveness of the prototype system with 7 elderly patients (93.3 ± 10.56 years) at a nursing home. The proposed system appears to be a promising tool for monitoring the vital signs of the elderly in a way that alleviates the need to attach electrodes overnight to confirm patient safety.
Highlights
The combination of a declining birthrate and an increasing number of elderly persons has become a serious issue in Japan
The heart rates determined by the prototype system correlated significantly with those measured by electrocardiography (r = 0.92)
As a conclusion of this study, we found that our prototype system could effectively monitor heart and respiratory rate of subjects; the dual 24 GHz microwave radar antenna outputs exhibited cyclic oscillations that corresponded to cardiac motion and respiratory motion of the chest wall
Summary
The combination of a declining birthrate and an increasing number of elderly persons has become a serious issue in Japan. Japan is experiencing an aging phenomenon which has not been seen elsewhere in the world. The ratio of those aged 65 and older was already at 20.2% in 2005. Circulatory and respiratory issues in particular pose a risk for the elderly, because they can lead to potentially serious conditions. Bedsores are common in bedridden elderly persons, and in these cases it is difficult to place electrodes on the skin. For this reason, it is necessary to develop non-contact and unconstrained vital sign measurement methods
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
