Researchers at UK universities have developed a wearable ‘sticker’ that can monitor and detect changes in people’s breathing rates.

Wearable 'sticker' monitors people's breathing rates

The non-invasive sensor-based system – using a capacitive sensor – can efficiently discern changes even when not in direct contact with the skin. It represents an alternative to chest-band or face mask systems, which can be uncomfortable for use over long time periods.

The work is led by Nottingham Trent University (NTU), the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton, and also involves the medical technology company Zelemiq. The research is published in the journal Sensors (free PDF).

The idea is that the device, which is thought to be the first of its kind, can be used in the home as well as other healthcare settings. It would provide an early warning for declining health that could save lives, say the scientists. For example, indicating deterioration in a number of diseases, including sepsis and COVID-19.

Yang-Wei-Nottingham-Trent-University-300x199.jpg“This is a groundbreaking wearable innovation meticulously developed to provide crucial support for patients and healthcare professionals,” said Dr Yang Wei, right, a specialist in electronic textiles and electronic engineering in Nottingham Trent University’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility.

“The ability to continuously measure respiration in this way gives us the potential to enable faster, more effective treatment, significantly enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency within the health service.”

Breathing rates
The capaciflector incorporates a flexible textile-based capacitive respiratory sensor. The system involves screen printing multiple functional layers on top of a polyester/cotton fabric. And the printed sensors were characterised to detect performance against impacts from artefacts, normally present whilst wearing the device.

Three “phantoms”, using acetone, water, and gel, were developed to mimic human body properties.

A sensor that has an electrode ratio of 1:3:1 (sensor, reflector, and ground) was the most sensitive design. Specifically, it exhibits the highest sensitivity of 6.2% frequency change when exposed to realistic conditions.

“A small-sized microcontroller with wireless data transmission and a 3-volt battery is [used] in the development phase to enable clinicians to access [the system] remotely,” adds the academic paper.

In test of breathing rates on volunteers, the sensor measures respiration with 98.68% accuracy compared to manual breath counting.

Funding
The work was funded with £1 million from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). It is now advancing within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre.

Professor Neil White, Director of the Centre for Healthcare of the University of Southampton, added:

“This wearable technology allows the measurement of respiratory rate over long periods of time, which is not achievable using conventional manual breath counting. Trends in respiratory rate can therefore be recorded and observed, offering the potential for rapid interventions that can potentially save lives.”

Common chronic respiratory diseases include asthma, sleep apnoea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Currently, they affect more than 435 million people globally.

NTU is the 5th largest UK institution by student numbers, with 40,000 students and 4,400 staff located across six campuses.