B3D
Ballistocardiography (BCG) is a non-invasive technique for assessing the cardiac function from the body accelerations consecutive to the mechanical action of the heart (contraction, ejection of blood, etc…). On Earth, it was typically based on the recording of horizontal 2D accelerations or movements of subjects in supine position at rest on a freely-moving platform. Space is the only place where Ballistocardiograms can be recorded (unaltered) in 3-Dimensions.
For the analysis of this unique data set we developed a novel signal processing technique. This method is at the heart of our proposal to further study Ballistocardiography in microgravity. The proof of concept is currently evaluated in transient microgravity obtained in ESA parabolic flights campaigns. Since 2011 we have been testing the Pneumocard-Ballisto system developed by the MKS company. The subjects alternate between three different protocols: a traditional Echocardiography cardiac function evaluation; a free-floating experiment during which 3D-BCG, ECG, Impedance-cardiography and respiration signals are recorded; a full rotation of the subject facing a stereo acquisition setup for the determination of its centre of mass.
The proposal entitled: 3-D Ballistocardiography in microgravity (B3D), was selected by ESA and the European Science Foundation (ESF) to enter its definition phase.
The study is sponsored by the European Space Agency, the National Space Biomedical Research Institute and the Belgian Science Policy.
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