Comparison of photoplethysmogram measured from wrist and finger and the effect of measurement location on pulse arrival time

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to compare photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals measured from the wrist and finger and to evaluate if wrist PPG signal could be used to calculate pulse arrival time (PAT), the time delay between electrocardiogram (ECG) R peak and a feature (e.g. peak, foot, first derivative peak) in the PPG signal. Further, the correlation between pulse wave velocity (rePWV, defined as PWV from ECG R peak to extremity) and systolic blood pressure was studied. APPROACH: Thirty subjects were measured at rest by a trained research nurse. For reference measurement, chest ECG and finger PPG were measured using commercial sensors. Wrist PPG and arm ECG were measured with a custom-made setup, where the PPG sensor was located at the back surface of the forearm. MAIN RESULTS: Reference finger and wrist PPG signals were found to differ in shape and also in amplitude. The PPG foot or first derivative peak detection methods seemed to be the most suitable methods for wrist PAT calculation. The Pearson correlation coefficient between blood pressure and rePWV was found to be 0.44 for the reference finger measurement and 0.37 for the wrist measurement. SIGNIFICANCE: Wrist PPG signal is widely used in optical heart rate monitors. Based on the results obtained in this study, wrist PPG signal may be used also for PAT calculation. The use of PAT for blood pressure estimation still has challenges, but PAT as such could be used as an interesting indicator of vascular health.