Lungy: Development of a responsive smartphone application to monitor and improve breathing function & mental well being with generative audio and visual feedback

The coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, and the longer-term physical and mental health consequences associated with COVID are unknown. Breathing exercises, with physical therapy, are considered essential in the swift recovery from COVID, but are also routinely indicated in post-operative patients, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, sickle cell disease, post-ITU or respiratory ventilation as well as a highly effective intervention for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for pulmonary rehabilitation therapy for inpatients and in the community, whilst simultaneously creating barriers to access therapy, meaning it is neither practical nor safe for face-to-face assessment, therapy, and follow-up. A novel, innovative approach is needed to encourage and reward patient engagement, ensure equal access to care, and for patient compliance and recovery.

'Lungy' is a smartphone application, developed by Pi-A, that encourages regular breathing exercise in the management of both respiratory disease and for relieving symptoms of mild anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia. The application will encourage and guide users through a range of relaxing breathing exercises, promoting not only breathing function but also focus, user engagement, and mindfulness. The application would enable tracking of user progress, enabling the creation of user-profiles and progression via personalised breathing profiles for every user, supporting and replicating the role of an attentive therapist. The application is intended to be accessible and engaging for everyone, but also to improve both physical and mental health, through regular breathing exercise.