Could a finger sensor replace the blood pressure cuff?

NCT ID NCT05554315

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a new technique called speckle plethysmography to measure blood pressure continuously using light sensors on the fingers and toe. Forty healthy adults wore the sensors while doing tasks like slow breathing, math problems, and putting a hand in ice water. The goal was to see if this method could track blood pressure changes without a traditional cuff.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a simpler, wearable device for tracking blood pressure continuously at home.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people only. The technique may not work well in real-world conditions or in people with health issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hypertensive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.