PPGmittaukset

PPGmittaukset, or photoplethysmography measurements, are a non-invasive optical technique used to detect volumetric changes of blood in peripheral limbs. This is achieved by illuminating the skin with light, typically from an LED, and then measuring the amount of light that is transmitted or reflected. Blood absorbs light, so as blood volume changes in the capillaries beneath the skin, the amount of light detected by a photodetector fluctuates. These fluctuations can then be analyzed to extract various physiological parameters.

The most common application of PPGmittaukset is in heart rate monitoring. The pulsatile flow of blood due to the heartbeat creates distinct patterns in the PPG signal, allowing for the calculation of the heart rate. Beyond heart rate, PPG signals can also be used to estimate blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), a crucial metric for respiratory and circulatory health. More advanced analysis of PPG waveforms can potentially provide insights into blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and even respiration rate, although these applications are often more complex and require sophisticated algorithms.

PPGmittaukset are widely employed in various devices, including pulse oximeters, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and medical monitoring equipment. Their simplicity, low cost, and ease of integration make them a popular choice for both clinical and consumer applications. The accuracy of PPGmittaukset can be influenced by factors such as skin pigmentation, ambient light, motion artifacts, and the thickness of the tissue being measured.