Effectiveness of Acceleration Sensors on the Thorax and Abdomen for Speech Breathing Analysis

Abstract:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of cheap and easyto- use acceleration sensors for capturing respiratory signals across postures and speech tasks. Two sensors were placed on the thorax and abdomen during quiet breathing, read speech, and spontaneous speech in sitting and standing postures. Simultaneously, the breathing signals were measured with the highly accurate, but more expensive method of Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography. The signals of both time series were compared using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and the temporal automatic segmentation into inhalation and exhalation phases. Results showed a subject- and posture-dependent quality of the accelaration signals with higher correlation and phase agreement in sitting activities. These findings demonstrate the potential of accelaration sensors for respiratory monitoring, particularly in seated postures, and highlight the need for motion compensation strategies in standing scenarios.