Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Methods of Recording Physiological Signals Using Passive Electronic Sensors to Obtain Respiratory Parameters in People with Respiratory Dysfunction

I. Karpiel, J. Wołoszyn, K. Olesz, M. Mysiński, M. Urzeniczok, D. Feige, A. Sobotnicki, M. Czerw (Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Medical Techn. and Equipment, Poland)

The purpose of the work is to developed two sensors, based on piezoelectric and resistive elements, used to measure the respiratory signal from the thorax. As a result two innovative methods of monitoring respiratory parameters and cough incidents for patients with respiratory failure, caused by asthma or covid-19. The first sensor was made of the piezoelectric membrane, and the second uses conductive elastic rubber that changes its resistance when stretched. Both sensors were placed on the patient’s chest using a specially designed for this purpose belt. Simultaneous biomedical signals were recorded in laboratory conditions for various measurement methods, which showed chest movement during breathing in healthy people with the simulation of difficult measurement conditions, such as shallow and rapid breathing, slow deep breathing combined with apnea, and in the presence of motor disturbances. The obtained results for both measurement methods allow confirming a satisfactory immunity to movement disturbances and correct detection in extreme measurement conditions such as fast and shallow breathing and apnea while the piezoelectric method, enables recording with better resolution in conditions of fast and shallow breathing. Both piezoelectric and resistive methods are correct for creating sensors that monitor basic patients’ respiratory parameters. Their additional advantage is the simplicity and low cost of production which may be important in examining geriatric patients and neonates however piezoelectric is cheaper and less burdensome during the long-term recording of respiratory parameters Simultaneous biomedical signals were recorded in laboratory conditions for various measurement methods, which showed chest movement during breathing in healthy people with the simulation of difficult measurement conditions, such as shallow and rapid breathing, slow deep breathing combined with apnea, and in the presence of motor disturbances. The obtained results for both measurement methods allow confirming a satisfactory immunity to movement disturbances and correct detection in extreme measurement conditions such as fast and shallow breathing and apnea while the piezoelectric method, enables recording with better resolution in conditions of fast and shallow breathing. Both piezoelectric and resistive methods are perfect for creating sensors that monitor basic patients’ respiratory parameters. Their additional advantage is the simplicity and low cost of production which may be important in examining geriatric patients and neonates however piezoelectric is cheaper and less burdensome during the long-term recording of respiratory parameters.