A Home-based Intervention to Promote Mindful Breathing Awareness Through Pursed-lip Breathing Training for COPD Patients

In this study, a system will be developed to guide patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to complete a mindful breathing practice at home. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the United States and no cure exists. Shortness of breath is the most common disabling symptom. Pursed lips breathing is a type of breathing practice that has demonstrated effectiveness for patients with COPD. It requires practice to maintain and there is currently no home system to provide the needed feedback and support to maintain PLB. Additionally, syncing breathing and heart rate variation offers patients additional benefits. The proposed project explores the use of biofeedback to guide COPD patients in a breathing practice and to provide data for health coaching to monitor and support the practice.