ABSTRACT
Especially in hospital entrances, it is important to spatially separate potentially SARS-CoV-2 infected patients from other people to avoid further spreading of the disease. Whereas the evaluation of conventional laboratory tests takes too long, the main symptoms, fever and shortness of breath, can indicate the presence of a SARSCoV-2 infection and can thus be considered for triage. Fever can be measured contactlessly using an infrared sensor, but there are currently no systems for measuring the respiration rate in a similarly fast and contactless way. Therefore, we propose an RGB-camera-based method to remotely determine the respiration rate for the triage in hospitals. We detect and track image features on the thorax, band-pass filter the trajectories and further reduce noise and artefacts by applying a principal component analysis. Finally, the respiration rate is computed using Welch’s power spectral density estimate. Our contactless approach is focused on a fast measurement and computation. It is especially adapted to the use case of the triage in hospitals by comprising a face detection which is robust against partial occlusion allowing the patients to wear face masks. Moreover, we show that our method is able to correctly determine the respiration frequency for standing patients despite considerable body sway. Copyright © 2021 by SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All rights reserved
ABSTRACT
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the core symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, a disease that can break out after surviving a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple types of triggers lead to an extremal deterioration of the patient's overall health condition. In this paper, vital signs are compared to what extent they are sensitive to the triggers and thus can be used to prevent PEM. In addition, sensors and measurement methods are proposed, based on criteria for use in patients' daily lives. Even simple pedometers can contribute to PEM prevention. However, chest straps and wrist-worn sensors are more promising. The essential relevant vital parameters heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate are measured in this way. © 2021 The Author(s), published by De Gruyter.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) / chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease of the nervous system that leads to profound physical weakness. The number of patients is currently increasing worldwide due to the consequences of chronic COVID-19 syndrome. ME/CFS patients suffer from severe fatigue, autonomic, neurological and immunological symptoms. The core symptom Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) leads to a general exacerbation after even low levels of exertion. Since there is no approved therapy, patient advocacy groups recommend pacing. This involves monitoring trivial vital signs of the patient to avoid PEM. This paper aims to evaluate the suitability of various vital signs and proposes matching sensors. Methods Via a literature review, different vital signs are compared in terms of their usefulness for PEM prevention. Objective criteria such as the number of publications and the PEM triggers to be covered are included in the evaluation. Recommendations for the use of body-worn sensors are derived from the vital signs and the requirements for real-world use. This takes into account patient needs through an objective evaluation of, among other things, wearer comfort, long-term stability and attachment. Results Even simple pedometers can help to monitor the physical trigger of PEM. Strong emotional reactions can be detected by heart rate monitoring. This can be accomplished using electrocardiography and photoplethysmopgraphy sensors. Smartwatches and chest straps in particular are suitable for easy monitoring of vital signs because they enable long-term measurement without interruption and easy sensor attachment. Conclusion The importance of different vital parameter sensors in the monitoring of PEM is elaborated. In the future, more complex analysis of heart rate variability and respiratory rate could be used to prevent PEM. From this, recommendations for the prevention of PEM and potential Long-Covid consequences can be derived. This may help to mitigate the severity of the disease course.