Feasibility of mHealth Devices in Monitoring of Heart Rate, Physical Activity and Respiratory Function in Smokers with and without Respiratory Symptoms and COPD

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global public health problem, and continuous monitoring is essential for both its management as well as the management of other chronic diseases. Telemonitoring using mobile health (mHealth) devices has the potential to promote self-management, improve control, increase quality of life, and prevent hospital admissions. Objective: This proof-of-concept study aims to assess feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of biosensing (mHealth) devices in monitoring of heart rate, physical activity and respiratory function in smokers with and without respiratory symptoms and COPD. Methods: A total of 3 cohorts, with 9 participants in each, used mHealth devices for 90 days while undergoing the current standard of care. These groups were: 9 “non-COPD,” otherwise healthy, smokers; 9 “grey zone” smokers (forced expiratory volume in 1 second/ forced vital capacity ?0.70 after bronchodilator treatment; COPD Assessment Test ?10); and 9 smokers diagnosed with Stage 1-3 COPD. Two mHealth devices were utilized in the study: (1) the AnaMed Original Equipment Manufacturer device (OEM) that measures distance, energy expenditure, heart rate, and heart rate variability by using photoplethysmographic method and displays the results on a watchface, smartphone or a tablet, and (2) the Air Next mobile spirometry portable device that performs spirometric measurements (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio) by a turbine mechanism and displays the results on a smartphone or a tablet. The mHealth devices were compared against industry standards. Recruitment, retention and adherence rates were 35%, 100%, and 63% respectively. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to assess the participants’ perceptions of the mHealth technologies used. Results: The AnaMed device was demonstrated as precise in measuring heart rate, and less so when measuring number of steps and meters. It is unreliable in measuring SpO2. It is easy to use, requires no significant technical support. The Air-Next Spirometer is a simple and very precise instrument for detecting obstructive airway diseases which was confirmed when compared to the industry standard. It is easy to use, which could make it especially useful for non-specialized care and in-home setting and other areas. Conclusion: We demonstrated that both devices, AnaMed and AirNext can provide precise measurements or heart rate and spirometric data, and it is feasible to incorporate them into a routine clinical practice for remote monitoring of chronic conditions such as COPD. However, such task would require some efforts to take care of technical and logistical issues, i.e. sending reminders, synching devices with smartphones, communication efforts.