Visual Measurements of Breathing Parameters in Children With a Particular Focus on Phase Angle: A Pilot Study

Introduction Pediatric respiratory monitoring, crucial for assessing children's health, particularly those with respiratory diseases, often relies on invasive or cumbersome methods. Here, we propose a non-invasive approach using a video depth camera to measure breathing parameters in children, offering innovation and promise. Aims We aim to introduce and validate a straightforward remote procedure for measuring crucial breathing parameters in children. These include respiratory rate (RR), volumetric changes during inhalation and exhalation, and the phase angle (PA) between chest and abdomen expansions. Methods The proposed method involves detecting three feature points - nipples and navel - using a video depth camera. A 30- to 60-second video is recorded to track chest and abdomen movements. Analysis of feature point locations, distances between them, and signal frequencies is conducted to estimate respiratory parameters. To validate the accuracy of our method, we employed mechanical lung simulators within dolls for procedure testing and measurement accuracy verification. Additionally, recordings of pediatric patients, both healthy and with respiratory diseases, were analyzed to correlate computational parameter estimations with physician assessments, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our approach. Results Our results show a strong correlation between simulator inputs and algorithm estimations, validating our method's accuracy. Additionally, applying the procedure to pediatric patient recordings significantly correlates with physician assessments, notably, marking the first remote measurement of the respiratory PA. Conclusions This remote procedure presents a promising alternative for pediatric respiratory monitoring, offering accurate measurements without invasive techniques or extensive equipment. The robust correlation between computational estimations and physician assessments underscores its reliability, suggesting potential for broader clinical applications and advancements in pediatric respiratory care.