Provided is a device for pulmonary rehabilitation. The device is configured to provide adjustable resistance for a patient during respiratory training on demands so as to improve rehabilitation efficiency. Moreover, the device is configured to adapt a variety of external parts to assist in medication dosing, information processing, and/or sputum removal for the patient during respiratory training. Therefore, optimal efficiency for pulmonary rehabilitation and smooth experience during respiratory training for the patient can be achieved.

This invention relates to a device for ventilating a subject and a system comprising such a device, in particular a virtual reality system. It also relates to a kit comprising such a device or system, as well as a virtual reality content attached to a computer medium. The invention also relates to the applications liable to be made of these devices, system and kit, particularly in the medical, well-being and gaming fields.

Disclosed are biofeedback methods and devices suitable for providing biofeedback useful for helping a user control an own breathing, for example, to help in inducing deep breathing, and such biofeedback devices further comprising a dispenser for dispensing an inflatable substance.

A positive pressure airway device for providing resistance in an air pathway for a patient exhaling. The device includes a central tube region, a inspiratory air passageway for passing air into the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device inhales, and an expiratory air passageway for passing air out of the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device exhales, A valve in the expiratory air passageway allows air to flow out only when a patient using the device exhales with an expiratory air pressure greater than a selected pressure, and includes a stopper and a coil spring with an interior portion that is free from any structure that would inhibit the “side-to-side” movement of the spring within the housing. The stopper has a cone-shaped air-stopping surface providing a valve angle that is different from the valve-seat angle so that either laminar or oscillating flow may be obtained.

A positive pressure airway device for providing resistance in an air pathway for a patient exhaling. The device includes a central tube region, a inspiratory air passageway for passing air into the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device inhales, and an expiratory air passageway for passing air out of the central tube region when a patient breathing through the device exhales, A valve in the expiratory air passageway allows air to flow out only when a patient using the device exhales with an expiratory air pressure greater than a selected pressure, and includes a stopper and a coil spring with an interior portion that is free from any structure that would inhibit the “side-to-side” movement of the spring within the housing. The stopper has a cone-shaped air-stopping surface providing a valve angle that is different from the valve-seat angle so that either laminar or oscillating flow may be obtained.

An apparatus and method for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends. A user can hold the proximal end between the lips. An inlet configured to receive air blown from the mouth of a user is disposed at the proximal end. An exit is disposed opposite to the inlet at the distal end. A channel extends from the inlet to the exit. Apertures of uniform or non-uniform dimensions are disposed over the elongated body. The apertures are located at different distances from the entry. The apertures and the exit are in fluid communication with the inlet. The user can adjust the resistance offered to a flow of air caused by the air blown to the required level by blocking one or more apertures or the exit. The same apparatus can offer a wide range of variable resistance as per the need of a user.

An apparatus and method for semi-occluded vocal tract exercises comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends. A user can hold the proximal end between the lips. An inlet configured to receive air blown from the mouth of a user is disposed at the proximal end. An exit is disposed opposite to the inlet at the distal end. A channel extends from the inlet to the exit. Apertures of uniform or non-uniform dimensions are disposed over the elongated body. The apertures are located at different distances from the entry. The apertures and the exit are in fluid communication with the inlet. The user can adjust the resistance offered to a flow of air caused by the air blown to the required level by blocking one or more apertures or the exit. The same apparatus can offer a wide range of variable resistance as per the need of a user.

A method of and device for acquiring in-vivo images or quantitative/qualitative data (perfusion, blood flow, vascularization, contrast enhancement, selective blood supply management) of interior parts of the human body using an imaging system includes the steps of positioning the body relatively to the imaging system, applying a respiratory resistance device to the respiratory system of the body, and performing an image acquisition step during or concomitantly an inhalation/inspiration/suction or exhalation/Valsalva/expiration phase, during which the body provides suction or exhalation against a resistance as provided by the respiratory resistance device.

A respiratory muscle strengthening device includes: a mask body which covers at least a part of the face of a user; a pressure unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to control air inhaled from the outside of the mask body; a sensor unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to measure a respiratory pattern of the user; a band part which is formed to extend from the opposite ends of the mask body and by which the mask body is brought into close contact with the face of the user; and a cover part which is detachably coupled to one side of the mask body. The cover part includes a filtering part which filters out particles in the air.

A respiratory muscle strengthening device includes: a mask body which covers at least a part of the face of a user; a pressure unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to control air inhaled from the outside of the mask body; a sensor unit which is provided at one side of the mask body to measure a respiratory pattern of the user; a band part which is formed to extend from the opposite ends of the mask body and by which the mask body is brought into close contact with the face of the user; and a cover part which is detachably coupled to one side of the mask body. The cover part includes a filtering part which filters out particles in the air.