BIOPAC Blog

The NIBP100D-HD provides noninvasive monitoring of blood pressure and hemodynamic measures, representing a big step for noninvasive measurements in physiological research. The device’s accuracy is comparable to clinical measures, allowing researchers to obtain the most accurate data through non-invasive recording.

The NIBP100D-HD monitors blood flow through sensors on the forearm and finger. The device utilizes algorithms to provide continuous data, resulting in precise hemodynamic signals measurements including blood pressure and cardiac output (CNCO). This form of measurement allows not only for accuracy in measuring signals but also in how the signals trend.

Two studies conducted by the national center for biomedical information highlight the device’s clinical accuracy. Researchers Smolle et al. identified potential benefits for noninvasive continuous blood pressure monitoring for ICU patients without an arterial line. In comparing the ability of the NIBP100D-HD to other invasive BP monitors, they found measurements from the device were accurate enough to be interchangeable with data presented from other invasive arterial devices.

In another study, the accuracy of the device’s volume clamp method for determining CNCO was tested in a clinical setting. Researchers Wanger et al. used the system on ICU patients who recently received cardiothoracic surgery, making a comparison between cardiac data from the CNCO to the standard PAC –CO device.  The results showed agreement between the two devices in measuring accurate cardiac output, as well as CNCO’s ability to accurately identify trends in a clinical setting.

Being comparable to clinical devices highlights the NIBP100D-HD’s recording accuracy. Its ability to measure noninvasively allows it to be an alternative solution to invasive arterial systems. Its stability in measuring signals and ability to quickly adjust to signal changes provide researchers with benefits when measuring threat state or emotional responses, where quick changes might influence the signal measurements.

BIOPAC offers a variety of equipment that can be used for noninvasive blood pressure measurement. To find more information on devices similar to NIBP100D-HD, you can visit the NIBP product page on the BIOPAC website.

From breathing to sleep, the human body functions through cycles. Researchers attain the most accurate physiological data when analyzing subjects through cyclic data. Wandering baselines, non-AC coupled, and varying peak amplitudes are some of the many challenges that get in the way of cyclic data analysis. Researchers can overcome these problems with careful goal planning combined with physiology analysis software.

The first step for researchers to take is to define their goals, as a clear strategy is necessary to assess accurate data. One example of a goal could be to extract the average heart rate for each thirty-second interval from BP data. The researcher would first split the problem into multiple steps and classify data between systolic and diastolic locations. Classification would differentiate the primary and intra-cycle locations of interest and the researcher would want the systolic and diastolic peaks for moving averages.

With the Find Cycle Peak Detector, researchers can do this automatically. The AcqKnowledge Find Cycle Peak Detector extracts heart rate and triggers a traceable spike train. With AcqKnowledge, researchers can separate bpm data rates to determine the diastolic and systolic patterns. Individual means, taken by AcqKnowledge, reveal various physiological cycles, including the data rates mentioned above.

The Find Cycle Peak Detector opens the door for researchers to advance their studies in a comprehensive range of fields. Although physiological signals take longer to identify and analyze, the ability to differentiate data sets helps to determine the derivatives and construct signals appropriate for the analysis of the bodily cycle of interest. Physiology technology, such as the Find Cycle Peak Detector, improves the cyclic research procedures because information processes fast and effectively.

BIOPAC’s AcqKnowledge software analyzes data cycles by rates, periodicities, and precise data analysis such as ECG or NICO. Researchers can expedite lab workflow with BIOPAC’s basic scripting to expeditiously detect complex multi-step physiological cycles. The built-in domain-specific analysis and general-purpose tools, such as epoch analysis and stimulation-response analysis, provide researchers with the data they need almost instantly. Scientists can also synchronize various data sets at once with AcqKnowledge software.

AcqKnowledge software is an extremely powerful tool, capable of automatically analyzing data for a variety of applications. To find learn more about AcqKnowledge Find Cycle Detector or view useful analysis tips and tricks, visit the BIOPAC webinar page.

Recording the clearest possible signal can prove tricky, especially from exercising or mobile subjects. We have compiled a helpful guide on electrode placement and preparation that ensures accurate and precise data from mobile subject recording.

When recording mobile subjects, it’s important to take note of the length of lead wires and choose the shortest available option. Longer lead wires have the potential for more motion which could result in moving the electrode on the skin. If there is slack on the wire use tape and wrap to secure the wire closer to the subject’s body.

With multiple options for electrodes it’s important to consider the type of electrode would best facilitate the research. Electrodes can be designed to cover awkward shaped regions of the body or experiments extending beyond 24 hours, but for mobile subjects it’s recommended to use high stress electrodes which utilize a stronger adhesive.

Placement of the electrode is crucial. With ECG acquisition its best to put electrodes across the chest, but placement can vary depending on the research. It’s recommended to place the electrode where there’s the least amount of possible obstructive artifacts; for example, the electrode may need to be adjusted higher on the chest if subjects are using their stomach muscles. When collecting ECG placing an electrode above the bone is better than over a muscle.

The overall setup of the electrodes is very important. Using fresh gel and electrodes as well as taking time to abrade the surface of the skin allows for clearer signal acquisition. Electrodes should sit on the participant’s skin 10-15 minutes and it’s recommended to use an impedance level checker to diagnose the signal before recording.

BIOPAC’s MP160 research system with BioNomadix wireless amplifiers and logger provide the best options for data acquisition of mobile subjects. The transmitter-receiver pair and logger allow for wireless connection between the subject and MP device. BioNomadix is applicable to a wide range of physiological signals including: ECG, EEG, EMG, EOG, EGG, EDA, pulse, respiration, temperature, acceleration, goniometer, heel-toe strike, and clench force.

BIOPAC offers a variety of equipment that can be used in mobile recording studies. To find more information on solutions for recording and analyzing signals such as skin conductance, ECG, heart rate, respiration, and EMG using the MP160, and other platforms, you can visit the individual application pages on the BIOPAC website. 

Thirty-plus years ago, physiological research required incredibly long lab hours and followed by slow analyzation procedures. Prior to the invention of the personal computer (Thank you Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak!), scientists were burdened with piles of hard copy materials and painstakingly edited data sets by hand. Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows transformed the lab process with simple, easy-to-use personal computers. The research industry thrived with these developments and data collection hardware became faster, without the need to support multiple platforms. Physiology technology companies and researchers quickly adapted their hardware, software, and processes to align with the advances in computer science, leading us to the smaller and faster machinery of today.

In the 1980s, hardware products utilized serial ports and ISA serial cards. These serial ports allowed the data exchange to move faster, but researchers still worked with complex hardware set-ups. Responsively, the USB development of 1994 expedited data exchange processes and accelerated lab projects because scientists no longer needed to deal with the complexities of serial ports.

Ethernet technology soon followed and continues to support data exchange and internet service for labs because of its dependability. Rapid technological advancements used among professionals led industry experts to create wearable and sometimes wireless technology for physiology research. Industrial scientific medical radio waves also improved communication so that researchers and developers could work quickly without a paper trail.

Today, the scientific community embraces technological advancements beyond what would have been their wildest dreams in the mid-1980’s before the release of the personal computer. Smart devices, artificial intelligence, and rapid data exchange methods produced advancements that changed our personal and work lives.

BIOPAC’s technology evolved along-side the computing industry. Leading the way in data collection and analysis hardware and software, BIOPAC developed research improvements by producing more efficient, faster and powerful products used in labs across the world, including AcqKnowledge software and BioNomadix wearable devices. Physiology technology improves the classroom and workroom environments of any researcher trying to understand human conditions whether for profit or social justice because subjects can wear devices outside the lab, process information effectively, and synchronize various data sets at once with AcqKnowledge.

BIOPAC equipment can be used in studies for almost any field. To find more information on BIOPAC’s research solutions, visit the individual application pages on the BIOPAC website.

Advancing technology allows researchers the ability to utilize physiological data in different forms. This includes utilizing mathematic models to answer research questions, making data openly accessible to those with similar research questions, and identify alternative approaches to physiological measurements. Studies recently published in the field of biomedical engineering provide examples of these different quantitative approaches.

Researchers Chalacheva et al. (2017) have identified vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) as a complication unique to sickle cell disease, they wanted to identify if a lab induced VOC reaction was telling about the disease itself. Using heat pulses to evoke a VOC reaction, participants’ reaction were acquired through BIOPAC’s MP research system. Researchers were then able to create a math based model for the use in clinics, which could analyze the severity of sickle cell through measuring evoked VOC reactions.

Chest surface motion can provide insight in how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems act together, researchers Shafiq and Veluvolu (2107) attempted to model chest motion further. ECG, chest motion, and air flow were gathered through BIOPAC’s MP36R research system as participants were given a multitude of breathing tasks. The data acquired was used to create an algorithm to map out chest movements allowing for more precision with radiation therapy in treating lung cancer, which is often challenging and potentially dangerous. The dataset was made openly available, encouraging its use in chest motion modeling as well as other cardiovascular based research.

Blood pressure is an important indicator of various cardiovascular diseases, due to hypersensitive patient’s inability to use pressure cuffs; Shin and Min (2017) identified a need for an alternative form of BP acquisition. BIOPAC’s MP research system acquired the less invasive PPG measurements, the hypothesized as an alternative to blood pressure. The study identified PPG alone can’t be used to measure blood pressure, but allowed for the development of a pressure index for further research in alternative forms of blood pressure monitoring.

The above studies recognize the importance in analyzing trends and sharing data of physiological reactions. If interested in more articles regarding developments in biomedical engineering, visit BIOPACs research publication page. BIOPAC offers a variety of equipment for any research question, find more information on BME biomedical engineering solutions through visiting our applications page.

In an age of increased obesity and obsession with exercise, software companies have created exercise video games that engage users both mentally and physically. Mixed reviews about the effectiveness of such exergames stem from several components: the perceived task demands during a game, the reward given by the game, and the user’s Exercise Self-Efficacy (ESE, individuals’ confidence in performing exercise tasks). Cornick & Blascovich (2017) explore these components in their study to find exercise and physiological reactions and, in turn, effective motivations in exergames.

The experiment included 89 female undergraduate students who were first evaluated based on the ESE scale. Next, they were randomly assigned to either a high task demand condition in which their avatar weight remained constant, or a low task demand condition in which their avatar lost weight. Participants exercised on a stationary bike while absorbed in a virtual environment. Both groups were informed that their avatar would lose weight if they biked fast enough, when in reality, only half of their avatars could.

Participants’ physiological responses including heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, pre-ejection period, and blood pressure were all measured concurrently, continuously, and noninvasively with a BIOPAC MP System while biking. Cardiac performance was measured with an Impedance Cardiograph (ICG) and NIBP100D. AcqKnowledge software was used to distinguish participant challenge and threat states. One week following the study, participants reported how much they exercised in the last week.

The surprising results revealed that participants with high ESE had a high threat response and performed a modest amount of cardiac work, regardless of task demands. Participants with low ESE were extremely influenced by exergame task demands. When presented with a slimming avatar, they had the highest levels of a threat response, and the highest cardiac workload. When presented with a constant avatar, they had a challenge response and low levels of cardiac workload. As a result, it is conclusive that female self-perception has a significant influence on physiological response when body dissatisfaction is high. Exergames must include options that tailor to each individual based on their ESE as well as their preference of performance tracking during exercise.

The cognitive processing of memory affects our individual perception therefore it is important to understand what factors influence an individual’s processing. We have compiled a list of studies that look at how recall can influence individual’s message perception and work to help understand how small cases of memory load or the act of remembering can carry greater implications.

Cognitive Psychology Experiment

Cognitive development is crucial at the preliminary stages of infancy in children. Researchers Brito et al. (2016) examined associations between infants’ EEG power and cognitive abilities such as language and memory and situational factors such as SES. BIOPAC’s EEG100C and electrocap were used to record EEG while the infants were asleep. Overall EEG was then compared to memory and language skills, which were assessed through various tasks while the infant was awake. The findings identified that there are no associations between SES and EEG power, nor was EEG power related to language and memory ability.

EEG and Movie Trailers

University of Pennsylvania researchers studied EEG monitoring to understand how memory recall can influence the effectiveness of an advertiser’s messages. Utilizing a mixed methodology approach, measuring EEG brain activity data and physiological reactance, researchers Barnett and Cerf (2017) created a cross brain correlation (CBC) of 58 participants being exposed to the same 13 movie trailers. BIOPAC’s BioNomadix wireless EEG amplifier recorded EEG data in a commercial movie theater setting. Physiological monitoring solutions included BIOPAC’s respiration belt transducer, and a wireless EDA amplifier. The study’s results suggested that a trailer’s level of memorability could predict the movie’s overall success.

Intrusive Memory Study

One unfortunate side effect of memory is its intrusiveness in perceiving messages. Researchers from Oklahoma State University attempted to identify how worry (an effect of memory load) can influence “attention allocation” and an individual’s ability to process information. In the study conducted by White and Grant, it was hypothesized that, “working memory load will decrease attention allocation during processing of emotional images (White and Grant, 2017).” BIOPAC solutions were utilized in the methodology using an MP research system paired with an EEG100C amplifier as well as AcqKnowledge software. The study compared two groups of participants who were shown a series of similar photos. One group was presented with memory based verbal or visual tasks at the beginning of the experiment. Among other more specified findings, the results indicated that individuals with lower levels of worrying had reduced attention when required to remember visual and verbal memory tasks.

Understanding how cognitive processes and memory relate to one another provides researchers with the opportunity of gaining greater insight into message retention. The foundations of language and memory that we development as infants play key roles in our message retention. These combined with individual attention and outside stimuli show that our memory can inhibit message reception.