Use of the SCSB method for monitoring of respiration, body movements and ballistocardiogram in infants

Abstract

A new method for long-term monitoring of respiration, the ballistocardiogram (BCG), heart rate and body movements in newborn infants and children is presented. The design of the static charge-sensitive bed (SCSB) method for the monitoring of newborn infants and children is described. The method is simple and inexpensive. No electrodes or cables need to be connected to the subject. The SCSB method allows continuous long-term monitoring of body movements, respiratory movement, the BCG and heart rate. The results of about 40 neonatal recordings made in our clinic with the SCSB method demonstrate that recording body movements and respiration is possible in ordinary hospital wards. The infra-acoustic noise due to air-conditioning which is usually present in ordinary wards disturbs the BCG recordings in neonates. To obtain adequate BCG recordings this noise must be eliminated from recording rooms. Low-frequency noise is low enough to allow good BCG recordings in private dwellings. The SCSB method opens up new approaches to long-term studies of the regulation of respiration, body movements and the ballistocardiogram in newborn infants and children. Possible clinical applications of the SCSB method are discussed.