Objectives: Wearable smart shirt technology (Hexoskin) provides a unique opportunity to understand physiology and symptoms in daily life for people with chronic lung disease. The Hexoskin has been validated against cardiopulmonary exercise testing for assessment of physiology in the laboratory. This study aimed to explore if people with COPD are willing and able to use the Hexoskin for physiology and symptom assessment in daily life.
Methods: People with COPD and breathlessness impacting daily life (mMRC ?1) were recruited from the John Hunter Hospital outpatient database and wore the Hexoskin for 7-days. Participants were instructed to perform maximal inspiratory capacity manoeuvres each day for assessment of operating lung volumes, and record physical activity participation, sleep/wake times and breathlessness events with Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile A1 ratings using the Hexoskin smartphone app. After 7-days, participants completed an online survey on the comfort, useability and helpfulness of the Hexoskin.
Results: Seven people (43% female; FEV₁ range 27-81%predicted) wore the Hexoskin for 22.8±1.1 hr/day. Most participants (80%) agreed the Hexoskin was comfortable to wear. Two participants found connecting to the app somewhat difficult, although all were interested in breathing metrics provided, stating it was helpful to ?know what your breathing rate and volume? is and that if ?used properly?, the app would ?provide really helpful info that could help us manage the condition better?.
Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest people with COPD are willing and able to use wearable smart shirt technology, which could improve understanding of daily life physiology and symptoms.