A novel mobile wearable system for providing real-time monitoring of respiratory pattern, thoracic motion, and SpO2 on a tablet PC: A feasibility study

Background: A real-time assessment of breathing condition such as respiratory pattern, thoracic motion, and SpO2 is essential in conducting breathing retraining and stretching of thorax as a respiratory conditioning of pulmonary rehabilitation. Aims: To examine assessment of accuracy and usability of the wearable suite using C-STRETCH® (Bando Chemical Industries, Japan) we developed, breathing conditions of 12 healthy volunteers (mean age 44.3) were studied. Methods: C-STRETCH® is a capacitance type strain sensor which is composed of a highly elastic elastomer film insulation layer and the elastic electrically conducting layers made from nanocarbon. Participants were asked to breathe with a quantitative rating of respiration rate and I:E ratio within the rage of 10 to 43/min and 1:1 to 1:3, respectively. Their breathing conditions were tracked using respiratory profile monitor by wearing a mask. Results: Bland Altman analysis confirmed the agreement between respiratory rate and I:E ratios of the volunteers and that of a developed system, respectively. Limits of agreements were within the range of 78.9 % to 100 %. Regarding usability, 92% answered this wearable suite was comfortable and did not feel any tightness in their chest, respectively. Conclusions: It is suggested that the novel mobile wearable system we developed will provide us with accurate real-time assessment of respiratory pattern and thoracic motion non-invasively. An interface that allows tablet PC to integrate with real-time monitoring and total control system using Bluetooth improved portability and will be available in many clinical settings.