College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Biomedical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Biomedical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Biomedical Engineering
Date
3-2024
Primary Advisor
Robert Crockett, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
This document details the background, design process, and functional prototype for the BioBesoothe senior project. The project aimed to address difficulties with self-regulation in children with autism. It focused on encouraging even, slow breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. The project was guided by research into ways to achieve an appropriate breathing rate. In addition to functionality, emphasis was placed on engagement, ergonomics, and affordability. It was highly important for this product to be engaging to hold the interest of its patients and allow for extended periods of self-regulated breathing. The optimal duration of product use was set to be three minutes. The product also needed to be easy to hold and comfortable to use. Multiple iterations of the product case were developed to optimize its ergonomics. A passive device allowed the price to remain low. The final design solution uses thermochromic paint as a sensor for breathing using the natural temperature of exhaled breath. The paint also provides a visual stimulus as a response to slow, regulated breathing. The paint was tested for duration until color change onset under different breathing rates. Optimal color change was observed during a breath rate of up to 10 breaths per minute which encompasses the optimal range for parasympathetic activation. Testing also revealed that different paints were activated at different rates which helps provide both quick and prolonged stimulation, encouragement, and feedback.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/bmedsp/187
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Other Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons