A STUDY OF THE BALLISTOCARDIOGRAPHIC TEST-RETEST RELIABILITY,
Abstract
Qualitative evaluation of large numbers of ballistocardiograms (BCG's) has indicated that considerable variation exists within a single BCG record and between records obtained on the same individual on different days. Because the extent to which BCG records can be reliably reproduced appears to be essentially unknown, it seems of interest to investigate quantitatively the reliability of measures obtained from these records. Further, since respiration condition has been thought to influence BCG results, and because of the availability of two differing designs of BCG apparatus (Air Bed and Suspended Bed), the study was extended to examine measurements obtained on both beds under five respiratory conditions. All ballistocardiographic waveform measurements examined demonstrated statistically significant reliabilities, although the overall level of reliability obtained was somewhat lower than that previously reported in the literature. Precise interpretation of single measurements or of a single change measure may not be possible, and examinations repeated over a period of time may be necessary to obtain data with sufficient precision for predictive or diagnostic purposes. Respiratory conditions were found to have an effect on some waveform measurements, with the air bed more sensitive to the condition effects. The suspended bed was more susceptible to individual changes in behavior from day to day. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0688435
Entities
People
- David H. Jackson
- Norman E. Lane
- Robert J. Wherry Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Institute