Open AccessFeasibility Analysis of a Portable Diaphragmatic Efficiency Monitor for CSCI Patients
Author(s) -
Jack Curley,
Esteban Gomez,
Laith Adnan,
Isabelle Ablao,
Jayden Sumbillo,
Henry York,
Hakan Toreyin
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
ieee journal of translational engineering in health and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Magazines
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.653
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 2168-2372
DOI - 10.1109/jtehm.2025.3574553
Subject(s) - bioengineering , communication, networking and broadcast technologies , components, circuits, devices and systems , computing and processing , signal processing and analysis , robotics and control systems , general topics for engineers
Objective: This study evaluates the feasibility of a noninvasive system for monitoring diaphragmatic efficiency in people with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). Methods: Two versions of a portable hardware system were developed using impedance pneumography (IP) to measure tidal volume (TV) and surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess diaphragm electrical activity (EAdi). Version 1 was used to determine optimal electrode positions, while Version 2 integrated these sensor systems into a compact, portable design. Data from eight healthy male participants were analyzed to assess the correlation and accuracy of TV and respiration rate (RR) prediction using IP and the correlation between sEMG signals and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Results: For IP, measurements between the upper sternum and the midclavicular line (MCL) at the 4th intercostal (IC) space showed the highest correlation with true tidal volume. For sEMG, measurements between the mid-sternum and the 6th IC space demonstrated the strongest correlation with MIP. The integrated version 2 hardware demonstrates simultaneous IP and sEMG measurement while dissipating 2.17 mW. Discussion/Conclusion: The proposed system and the results presented may lead to a practical, cost-effective solution for continuous diaphragmatic efficiency monitoring, and thus enabling home-based respiratory care of CSCI patients.