Physiological measurement
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Physiological measurement · Dec 2009
Interchangeability between heart rate and photoplethysmography variabilities during sympathetic stimulations.
Photoplethysmography variability (PPGV) is currently considered to be a good surrogate to heart rate variability (HRV) measurements using the time between two pulse waves instead of RR intervals. Nevertheless, the interchangeability between HRV and PPGV has never been evaluated in situations with severe alterations in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). We aimed to identify the conditions for a correct utilization of PPGV in evaluating the consequences of sympathetic stimulations. ⋯ During the slow walk, it was impossible to detect properly PPG peaks. We observed large differences between the two methods during the cycling exercise. In conclusion, PPGV can be used instead of HRV without reserve in the supine position but only for some HRV indices in the upright position and not during slow walk and cycling exercise.