Samueli School of Engineering

Background:   Respiratory therapy is often used to help patients with pulmonary illnesses, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Traditional therapies involve an incentive spirometer and breathing exercises to help promote deep breathing. However, this current method of treatment is painful, frustrating and tedious for the patient. As a result, there is a low patient compliance with therapy. This project (SPIRO) is designed to increase patient adherence to therapy with a wearable game-based respiratory device component. By adhering a stretch sensor to monitor chest wall movement, the user can interface with the game through respiration. The game is designed to mimic therapeutic respiratory maneuvers in a more motivating setting. This alternative can increase patient adherence and accountability as well as provide a method for therapists to monitor their patient’s progress.

Faculty Adviser:   Dr. Michelle Khine