The COVID-19 Lockdown highlighted the need for innovative and successful remote patient monitoring solutions (RPM). Aparito's Atom5 (tm) mobile app was used for oncology patient in a proof of concept project to tailor remote monitoring for the pandemic. This project provided valuable insights into how to implement RPM in different patient populations. The project used video assessments, self-reporting by patients, and telemedicine via the Atom5(tm), paired with Garmin vivosmart (r) 4 activity tracking.
Monitor Patients Remotely During Pandemic
The project was completed in April 2020 and coincided with the peak of COVID-19 in the U.K. Ysbyty Gwynedd Hospital, and Aparito, a global health technology company specializing on digitalising clinical trials, worked together to develop a remote monitoring system for cancer patients at a high risk of severe COVID-19-related complications who could not keep their clinic appointments because they were shielded.
The hospital gave a Garmin fitness tracker vivosmart 4 to patients who agreed to take part in the study. They also provided them with the Atom5 app. Participants completed the COVID symptoms checklist daily on the app while the wearable device monitored vital signs such as heart rate1, pulse Ox2, blood oxygen saturation, and physical activity. The Garmin Health SDK was integrated with Atom5 to capture and process these robust health metrics. This allowed clinicians monitor patient data remotely and in real-time.
Each clinical trial has different requirements. By choosing Garmin researchers can configure their devices and Garmin Health ecosystems to collect relevant health metrics. Dr Elin Haf Davis, CEO and founder at Aparito said: "We selected Garmin because of the integrity of its Health SDK. We can access raw data by connecting Garmin devices directly with our applications, rather than relying solely on algorithms and black box metrics. "This access to patient data is crucial for us."
RPM and Clinical Results
The 2020 project demonstrated successfully that patients could be monitored more easily and in a safer manner at home by using the technologies above. Feedback from patients and oncology clinicians was very positive. The study revealed how a digital approach can be used to support and prevent public health during pandemics for vulnerable populations. The study also showed that large patient-generated data can be used to predict deterioration and optimize care, as well as guide treatment changes. Aparito and Garmin are already planning to collaborate on many future projects using the Garmin vivosmart4, vivosmart5or Venu(r), 2 for vital data.
Sound Healing: The Healing Properties of Sound
Stress Reduction: Sound Therapy can reduce stress by reducing cortisol production and slowing the heart rate. Listening to soothing music or sounds helps release tension and promotes a calm.
Emotional release: Music can evoke memories and emotions. Music that resonates with you can be a great way to express yourself and find catharsis. You can also use it to process and understand complicated emotions.
Improved Sleep: Sound therapies, like white noise and nature sounds, can help improve sleep by masking distracting noises and creating an ambiance of calmness. Listening to soothing sounds before going to bed can improve sleep hygiene.
Mindfulness and meditation: Sound is a powerful anchor to mindfulness and mediation practices. Concentrating on the sound of a singing-bowl or the rhythm of the drum can help you center your mind, and enhance your meditation.
Enhancement of Cognitive Function Certain types music such as ambient or classical music have been associated with improved cognitive functions, including creativity, problem solving skills and memory.
Music as a Therapeutic Instrument
Music is a great way to express yourself and regulate your emotions. Music can help you cope with anxiety and stress by playing an instrument or making music.
Self-expression: Music composition or performance allows people to express themselves when words fail. It is a great way to process complex emotions and experiences.
Social Connection: Sharing music with others can foster social connections and a feeling of belonging. Music-making in groups, like singing in a group or playing in a music band, can foster a sense community and reduce feelings isolation.
Empowerment: Playing an instrument or singing can increase self-confidence and boost your self-esteem. Attaining musical milestones and learning new skills can empower you.
Sound Healing Modalities
Tibetan singing bowls emit soothing tones and resonant sounds when rubbed or struck with a mallet. These vibrations promote relaxation and energy balance.
Drumming: Drumming and rhythmic drumming are used in therapy to induce a state of trance, reduce stress and encourage emotional release.
Binaural Beats Binaural beats is an audio recording that uses slightly different frequencies to create the perception of a beat. Binaural beats are believed to affect brainwave patterns and promote relaxation and focus.
Guided Sound Mediations: Sound healers, sound practitioners and other professionals often guide guided sound mediations with various instruments. This helps participants to relax and explore their internal landscapes.
Include Sound Therapy in Your Routine
Listening: Incorporate calming music and nature sounds into your everyday routine. Make a playlist with your favorite tracks that you can listen to when stressed or needing to relax.
Practice mindfulness: Use sound to focus your attention during mindfulness exercises. Listen to sounds in your environment, such as the birds chirping or the leaves rustling.
Consider learning an instrument. Even a simple guitar or keyboard can be used as a creative outlet.
Attend sound healing sessions: Find local events or workshops that offer sound healing in your area. Sound healers with experience can lead you through immersive experiences that enhance your mental and psychological well-being.
Sound Therapy for Mental and Emotional Wellness
Sound therapy is also called sound healing or vibratory therapy. It is a holistic method that uses the power of sound for mental and emotional wellbeing. This ancient practice is known for its ability induce relaxation, reduces stress and promotes emotional balance. This continuation will explore the benefits of sound and various techniques to harness its therapeutic properties.
Sound as Vibrational Medicine
Sound therapy is based on the idea that all of the vibrations in the universe have a specific frequency. Sound therapy is thought to restore harmony when our bodies or minds are experiencing dis-ease by using specific frequencies that are in tune with our natural rhythms. It is believed that this resonance facilitates healing at a cellular scale.
Sound Therapy: Benefits
Stress Reduction - In our fast-paced, modern world, stress is a major issue that can affect mental and emotional health. Sound therapy activates the relaxation response. It reduces the production of stress-related hormones, and promotes a feeling of calmness and inner peace.
Emotional release: Repressed emotions can cause physical and emotional imbalances. Sound therapy creates a safe environment for emotional release and expression. It helps people to process and connect with their emotions, which promotes emotional healing.
Music and sound choices can instantly affect mood. Music that is upbeat can increase feelings of motivation and happiness, while soothing melodies can reduce anxiety and sadness.
Stress and anxiety are frequently the cause of sleep disorders. Sound therapy in the form soothing music or white sound can help people achieve a deeper, more restful sleep. It does this by calming down the mind and masking distracting background noises.
Increased Mindfulness - Sound can be used as a tool to increase mindfulness and meditation. You can deepen your meditation by focusing on your breath or the singing bowl's resonance.
Exploring Sound Therapy Techniques
Tibetan singing bowls have become popular in sound therapy. These bowls are produced by striking or playing them with a mallet. They produce harmonic tones which promote relaxation and balance. Each bowl is associated with a chakra or energy centre in the body.
Binaural Beats Binaural beats are created by listening to slightly different frequencies, one in each ear. This creates the illusion of a third beat. This auditory illusion may influence brainwave patterns and induce states of relaxation or creativity.
Nature Sounds: The sounds from nature such as the ocean waves, forest stream, or bird song, are calming to the mind. Listening to nature sounds will transport you into a peaceful natural environment and reduce stress.
Voice and Mantras - The human voice is a powerful therapeutic tool. Listening to or chanting mantras can help you achieve inner peace and emotional equilibrium. This is a common practice in many cultures and spiritual traditions.
Drumming is becoming more popular in sound therapy. Drumming circles or rhythmic drumming are two examples. Drums that beat steadily can promote trancelike states, emotional release and unity.
