Derby is developing computer games to help cystic fibrosis sufferers
Experts at the University of Derby have developed four prototype computer games designed to help young people with cystic fibrosis cope better with the daily exercises they have to do to expel mucus from their lungs. The games will also aid in monitoring lung efficiency. Senior Lecturer and Teaching Fellow in the School of Computing and Mathematics at the University of Derby, Dr David Day, has a four-year-old daughter with cystic fibrosis. He says: "Children need regular physiotherapy so they can expel the mucus clogging their lungs, otherwise it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria which could make them sicker. Physiotherapy includes things like lightly pummelling the chest or back of the person. We also use a Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) mask, which fits over the face and makes it harder for them to breathe out, so they will push up the mucus from the bottom of their lungs and cough it out. Children find PEP treatment difficult, unpleasant and boring, and it can be hard to get them to do it." University Computer Games specialist, Dr Andreas Oikonomou, adds: "By keeping a record of how well the player does in the computer games, a medical consultant can chart the efficiency of their lungs. The games flexibility means even pre-school children should be able to play at the easiest levels." The researchers will now apply for additional funding to provide test versions of the games to ten young people, aged from six to nine, to trial the games and device to get some feedback from users. The University of Derby's Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology, and its business-to-business arm University Derby Corporate (UDC), also helped develop the project. Find out more about the Faculty of Business, Computing and Law at the University of Derby. Looking for funding for postgraduate studies in 2012? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions. Content added on 12th September 2011. |
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Computer games which help young people with cystic fibrosis cope better with treatment, and improve monitoring of their condition, are being developed by the University of Derby.