Clinical evaluation of stretchable and wearable inkjet-printed strain gauge sensor for respiratory rate monitoring at different measurements locations

Abstract

Introduction: The respiration rate (RR) is a vital sign in physiological measurement and clinical diagnosis. RR can be measured using stretchable and wearable strain gauge sensors which detect the respiratory movements in the abdomen or thorax areas caused by volumetric changes. In different body locations, the accuracy of RR detection might differ due to different respiratory movement amplitudes. Few studies have quantitatively investigated the effect of the measurement location on the accuracy of new sensors in RR detection.Methods: Using a stretchable and wearable inkjet-printed strain gauge (IPSG) sensor, RR was measured from five body locations (umbilicus, upper abdomen, xiphoid process, upper thorax, and diagonal) on thirty healthy test subjects while sitting on an armless chair. At each location, reference RR was simultaneously detected by the e-Health sensor, and the measurement was repeated twice. Subjects were asked about the comfortableness of locations. Based on Levene's test, ANOVA was performed to investigate if there is a significant difference in RR between sensors, measurement locations, and two repeated measurements. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to the RR measurements at different locations. The effects of measurement site and measurement trials on RR difference between sensors were also investigated.Results: There was no significant difference between IPSG and reference sensors, between any locations, and between the two measurements (all p>0.05). As to the RR deviation between IPSG and reference sensors, there was no significant difference between any locations, or between two measurements (all p>0.05). All the thirty subjects agreed that diagonal and upper thorax positions were the most uncomfortable and most comfortable locations for measurement, respectively. Conclusion:The IPSG sensor could accurately detect RR at five different locations with good repeatability. Upper thorax was the most comfortable location.

Prospective observational study of 2 wearable strain sensors for measuring the respiratory rate

“…[17] Another study evaluating the accuracy of a stretch sensor in measuring respiratory rate demonstrated differences between the site of measurement such as umbilicus, upper abdomen, xiphoid process and upper thorax with the largest error of 1.05 to −0.90 breaths/min in the upper abdomen. [18]…”

“…[17] Another study evaluating the accuracy of a stretch sensor in measuring respiratory rate demonstrated differences between the site of measurement such as umbilicus, upper abdomen, xiphoid process and upper thorax with the largest error of 1.05 to −0.90 breaths/min in the upper abdomen. [18] A spirometer measures the airflow caused by breathing and is considered to be an accurate and reliable method of measuring respiration, with few artifacts caused by motion. [19] However, wearing it on the body or carrying around is not suitable, as is wearing a wearable device, and there is discomfort due to the need to continuously apply the mouthpiece during measurement.…”

Real-Time Evaluation of Time-Domain Pulse Rate Variability Parameters in Different Postures and Breathing Patterns Using Wireless Photoplethysmography Sensor: Towards Remote Healthcare in Low-Resource Communities

“…This integral remote monitoring philosophy was proposed by Goodbridge et al to further comprehend the outcomes of cost-effective systems in case-oriented environments since approximately 50% of the global population lives in rural or similar communities [55,56]. The protocol of this study was designed to lay the groundwork for future physiological research in real-world settings where the three postures are common in daily activities, while the deep breathing and supine scenarios can simulate the resting and sleeping states [29,57]. and IT experts.…”

Embedded Electronic Sensor for Monitoring of Breathing Activity, Fitting and Filter Clogging in Reusable Industrial Respirators

“…The chest movements during breathing produce changes of capacitance in the thorax cycle that can be measured using impedance measurement systems [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Other devices estimate the mechanical oscillations of the thorax during breathing using inertial sensors, strain gauges, inductance plethysmography, or flexible resistive bands [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. In general, the systems are accurate and can perform breathing monitoring correctly.…”