An investigative study to record and measure cough frequency data
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An early phase investigative study to record and measure cough sounds from a group of subjects using an off-the-shelf compact recording device.
IRAS ID
0174972
Contact name
Mark Ironmonger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Quvium
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 7 days
Research summary
The purpose of this initial study is to collect cough sounds and frequencies from a selection of subjects who have already been diagnosed with a respiratory condition (asthma, COPD or other, for example) as well as a select group of other subjects who have undiagnosed cough. This is a preliminary project for the recording of cough sounds only.
The subject/user will wear a very small device (designed around a recording pen) around their neck which will automatically record cough sounds onto an internal SDD. The device may also be attached like a pin or brooch. Quvium can then access these recordings after the study period and use this data for refreshing and validating the current programmed algorithms.
As Quvium research and develop the study program, as well as the prototype device, the basis for the software and cough recognition aspect has to rely on raw cough data in order to create a delta/baseline. The frequency of the cough can then be measured and by using a set of algorithms, be programmed in various ways in order to detect specific cough sounds and lead to diagnostic metrics.
This current study is to record the different cough sounds, distinguishable by frequency and resonance from asthmatic patients, COPD and also general coughs that might be attributed to a cold, allergy (hay fever), etc.It is by building up this database of coughs and testing the quality of the recordings that will allow us to develop the device accurately and the supporting software with real and vital data. From this, later in 2015, a selection of clinical trials will be devised using the prototype device and software to be trialled in controlled environments and on different subject selections.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0262
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion