We are developing a Respiratory Motion Management System (RMMS) to maintain uniform and steady breathing patterns for lung cancer patients during radiotherapy treatment using tactile feedback. A well know “gated-therapy” technique targets infected tumors during either at the full inhale or at the full exhale posture. In order to reduce the exposure time and increase the efficacy of treatment, patients need to maintain a normal and/or predefined chest motion during treatments. In the study we will examine a human’s ability to control motor actions commanded by tactile cues alone or by combined tactile, visual and auditory cues. Currently, we are investigating numerous factors for optimal mapping of tactile cues to the controlled motor action for breathing. This includes, but is not limited to, stimulus parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration, etc), type of stimulators (multi-channel array vs. single-channel), body site (hand, wrist, forearm, thigh), and temporal patterns (veridical vs. saltatory). A wide range of pager motors, pan/coin vibrators, tactors are being tested for their fidelity and perceived strength on the skin. A series of psychophysical experiments will evaluate the efficacy of the RMMS with healthy participants and cancer patients.
In collaboration with Dr. Sastry Vedam, MD Anderson Cancer Center.