Xbox Kinect Technology Exploited to Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis, Lung Diseases

Video are not good for your brain; many science studies have debated either side of the argument. However, when it comes to diagnosis and assessing certain conditions, these consoles may be packed with considerable potential.

UK researchers improvised a gaming console to help monitor patients suffering from Cystic Fibrosis as well as other lung diseases. Scientists from University of Warwick in partnership with University of Birmingham and Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust have developed a unique procedure that uses Xbox Kinect by Microsoft to create a 3D image of the patient's torso and evaluate their respiratory system, especially for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. The study appeared in journal Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing.

Kinect was first launched in 2010 with Xbox 360 that allowed users to interact with their console without a game controller, using verbal commands and gestures.

The prototype of their equipment was first tested by researchers on a resuscitation mannequin and then this technique was used on nine cystic fibrosis volunteers and 13 healthy participants. Kinect sensors were positioned 3.3 feet away from the subjects. Along with the infrared beam emitted by Kinect system ad four other sensors, the researchers were able to evaluate the movement of lungs across chest wall from various angles. Based on this information, 3D image of the patient's chest wall was created.

For the purpose of their study, researchers used Kinect-based test and the conventional spirometry test to evaluate the patient's lung function in 22 volunteers. Kinect test came out more accurate and offered additional information about the chest movement for deeper evaluation of the respiratory problems. Researchers say that using this test, physicians will be able to make accurate diagnosis of these ailments. The team of researchers also added that the test can be used to assess the impact of medication and physiotherapy techniques on respiration.

Another notable benefit of using test data from Kinect model is that they are able to accurately assess the chest wall even when the subject is in movement. This means that the device will help track changes and monitor their respiration when the patients are exercising or engaged in other such physically taxing activities.