Question

Which of the following instrument is used for recording the movements imparted to the body with each beat of the heart cycle?

• A. \( \text{Apexcardiograph} \)
• B. \( \text{Ballistocardiograph} \)
• C. \( \text{Electro-oculograph} \)
• D. \( \text{Electro-retinograph} \)

Hint:

Remember: Ballisto-} implies bodily movement or momentum. So, a Ballistocardiograph} records mechanical movements caused by cardiac activity. This distinguishes it from instruments like Apexcardiograph} (local heart movement) or EOG/ERG} (related to the eyes).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Let’s examine the instruments to identify the correct one:

• Apexcardiograph: Records local mechanical movements of the chest wall due to heart activity. It gives information about apical impulse but not whole-body movements.
• Ballistocardiograph: Measures the recoil movements of the body resulting from the heart ejecting blood into the vessels. It captures the mechanical activity transmitted through the body with each heartbeat.
• Electro-oculograph (EOG): Measures the resting potential of the retina and detects eye movement.
• Electro-retinograph (ERG): Records electrical responses of the retina to light stimulus.

The only instrument that records the actual physical displacement of the body due to cardiac cycles is the Ballistocardiograph.