Overview
Helfie's Lung.AI is backed by science.
At Helfie we work closely with reputable and published research partners to design and develop the health AIs that underpin our technology.
Here’s a summary of Dr Clarence Baxter’s PHD thesis at Queensland university of Technology (QUT) titled “Prescribable mHealth using built-in device sensors: A mixed methods exploration of a respiratory therapy app for smartphones”
The "Helfie Lungs AI," based on the research completed by our partners at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), brings advanced respiratory therapy to users through smartphone-based technology. This innovation centers on QUT’s Inspire app, a prescribable mHealth solution that virtualizes the practice of Incentive Spirometry (ISy) using smartphone sensors. Built with patient accessibility and engagement in mind, this app leverages the built-in microphone to detect inspiratory breath sounds, turning smartphones into reliable tools for respiratory therapy. The app’s core function is to provide a non-invasive, convenient, and interactive experience that mirrors conventional respiratory therapy, traditionally used to prevent lung infections and improve lung function in conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, and post-surgical recovery.
The QUT Inspire app integrates digital feedback through on-screen animations to encourage users to engage in therapy and reach optimal inspiratory flow rates. Its design aims to foster a more enjoyable therapy experience that increases adherence to respiratory exercises, a challenge often faced with conventional devices. The app is structured as a “virtual coach,” prompting users to inhale at controlled rates, thereby facilitating respiratory health without needing additional hardware. This study validated its usability, reliability, and potential to meet the rigorous demands of clinical practice, positioning it as a viable, cost-effective alternative to standard spirometry devices.
QUT’s research thoroughly examined the Inspire app across several stages. Initially, a systematic survey of global health app libraries showed a significant gap in prescribable respiratory therapy apps, motivating QUT to develop this unique solution. The app was then tested through acoustic simulations of human breath, which demonstrated its sensitivity to sound-based respiratory indicators and confirmed the parameters necessary for accurate therapy guidance. Following this, a randomized usability study with disease-free participants found high satisfaction rates with the Inspire app compared to traditional spirometry tools, particularly noting its ease of use and the engaging interface. Importantly, the app's accessibility and minimal requirements make it ideal for widespread use, especially in remote or low-resource settings where respiratory healthcare is limited.
By pioneering mHealth respiratory tools, QUT’s Inspire app and Helfie’s Lungs AI aim to support and expand respiratory care in an accessible, digital format. As respiratory health challenges increase globally, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional medical devices, Helfie Lungs AI offers an impactful solution.
For further details, read the full scientific exploration behind this innovative AI.
Let’s Work Together
Helfie partners with researchers, universities and labs from all across the world, to help bring preventative health to all humans.