Integrated Solution Combining Low-Frequency Forced Oscillation Technique and Continuous Equivital Sensor Monitoring for Assessment of Non-Invasive Ambulatory Respiratory Mechanics

Early assessment of respiratory mechanics is crucial for early-stage diagnosing and managing lung diseases, leading to greater patient outcomes. Traditional methods like spirometry are limited in continuous monitoring and patient compliance as they require forced maneuvers with significant patient cooperation, which may not be available in fragile individuals. The Forced Oscillation Technique (FOT) is a non-invasive measurement method, only based on the tidal breathing at rest from the patient for a limited time period. The proposed solution integrates low-frequency FOT with continuous monitoring using Equivital (EQV) sensors to enhance respiratory mechanics information with heart rate variability. Data were collected over a two-hour period from six healthy volunteers, measuring respiratory impedance every 7 min and continuously recording physiological parameters. The best-fitting fractional-order models for impedance data were identified using genetic algorithms. This study also explores the correlation between impedance model parameters and EQV data, discussing the potential of AI tools for forecasting respiratory properties. Our findings indicate that combined monitoring techniques and AI analysis provides additional complementary information, subsequently aiding the improved evaluation of respiratory function and tissue mechanics. The proposed protocol allows for ambulatory assessment and can be easily performed in normal breathing conditions.