Analysis of the photoplethysmogram waveform offers an alternative means of non-invasive respiratory rate monitoring, though further development is required to enable reliable estimates.
This review outlines the physiological basis for deriving respiratory rate from photoplethysmography, highlighting its potential for non-invasive monitoring in telemonitoring systems.
An abnormal respiratory rate is often the earliest sign of critical illness. A reliable estimate of respiratory rate is vital in the application of remote telemonitoring systems, which may facilitate early supported discharge from hospital or prompt recognition of physiological deterioration in high-risk patient groups. Traditional approaches use analysis of respiratory sinus arrhythmia from the electrocardiogram (ECG), but this phenomenon is predominantly limited to the young and healthy. Analysis of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) waveform offers an alternative means of non-invasive respiratory rate monitoring, but further development is required to enable reliable estimates. This review conceptualizes the challenge by discussing the effect of respiration on the PPG waveform and the key physiological mechanisms that underpin the derivation of respiratory rate from the PPG.
Meredith et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Respiratory rate monitoring. Photoplethysmography (PPG) was evaluated. Analysis of the photoplethysmogram waveform offers an alternative means of non-invasive respiratory rate monitoring, though further development is required to enable reliable estimates.