Respiration Rate

The validation reports for this parameter is available on request:

RESPIRATION RATE

The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange. Oxygen is transferred from the environment into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is expelled. When inhaling, air passes into the lungs, where gas exchange occurs as oxygen diffuses into the lung capillaries in exchange for carbon dioxide. After gas exchange, exhalation begins, and the air containing carbon dioxide is expelled through the nose or mouth. Additionally, the respiratory system has secondary functions, including filtering, warming, and humidifying inhaled air.

There is a close relationship between respiration and heart activity. Heart rate is regulated by respiration, increasing during inhalation and decreasing during exhalation. Respiration Rate (RR), defined as the number of respirations per minute (rpm), is a clinical parameter representing ventilation, i.e., the movement of air in and out of the lungs. The normal RR varies from person to person but generally lies between 12-20 respirations per minute at rest. RR is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic health marker used in various clinical settings to identify abnormalities.

In hospital healthcare, RR is a highly sensitive marker of acute deterioration. For instance, elevated RR can predict cardiac arrest and in-hospital mortality and indicate respiratory dysfunction. RR is usually measured manually by counting chest wall movements, which is time-consuming, inaccurate, and often poorly executed. Therefore, there is a great need for a non-intrusive, automatic method of measuring RR. The advantage of such a method for monitoring vital signs is clear. Our algorithm uses the photoplethysmography (PPG) signal recorded from facial skin tissue (remote PPG - rPPG). The algorithm extracts face video images, produces an rPPG signal, analyzes the data, and provides the end user with real-time vital signs measurements