The BVP Sensor is used to measure Pulse Blood Volume (BVP) or Heart Rate (HR). This sensor is alos known as PPG sensor (photoplethysmography) and uses a light-based technology to detect the rate of blood flow as controlled by the heartbeat. By using the BVP Sensor, Heart Rate Variability (HRV) can be acquired: it refers to the rise and fall of heart rate synchronized with breathing (faster in inhaling, slower in exhaling).
The magnitude of this systematic variability appears to reflect a healthy alternation between two autonomic heartbeat influences: sympathetic and parasymphathetic. By calming your emotional state and making your breathing slower and more regular, the HRV can be increased, at least temporarily.
This sensor is usually placed on a finger of the non-dominant hand. Make sure not to move the sensor too much since this will influence your signal and create artifacts/noise.
Use the Respiration Sensor in combination with the BVP Sensor to monitor both respiration and heart rate for various biofeedback applications.
Although the BVP sensor is a very efficient way to measure heart rate quickly, you can alternately do an ECG/EKG with our EXG Sensor. Because of carbon technology and active noise cancellation, this sensor is less susceptible to artifact. The BVP sensor is often preferred though because of ease of use and efficiency.
The specifications of the BVP Sensor are:
Beats per minute unit for heart rate
Derived Parameters heart rate and blood flow in relation
Brushed aluminum connector medical grade ODU connector
