EFFECTIVENESS OF MHEALTH VISUALLY AIDED MINDFUL DEEP BREATHING FOR INDIVIDUAL WHO USES WHEELCHAIR: A PILOT STUDY

Wheelchair-bound adults frequently contend with significant mental health challenges. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of cost-effective and timely mHealth tools that combine guided deep breathing techniques with heart rate variability measurement (HRV) for wheelchair-bound adults, whether they are in a seated or supine position. This research is essential due to the scarcity of existing studies that address the unique requirements of wheelchair-bound individuals in both seated and lying positions. The study aims to offer valuable insights into tailored interventions to enhance the well-being of this specific population. The pilot study employed a Google Play Store mHealth app for Visually Aided Mindful Deep Breathing (VAMDB), integrating HRV measurements. This app also recorded and analyzed plethysmography waveforms. Involving 19 participants (7 wheelchair users, 12 healthy controls), it assessed VAMDB’s impact in seated and lying positions, measuring SDNN and mood changes. Physical health measures, including HRV readings from the mHealth app, showed an increase in HRV when sitting compared to lying down for both wheelchair-bound and healthy groups, although this change was not statistically significant ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.05). On the other hand, VAMDB significantly affected mood scales in the wheelchair-bound group ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.034), with notably lower scores in the nervous ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.036) and stress scales ([Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.005) compared to the healthy group. In conclusion, the pilot study did not find a statistically significant difference in the effect of VAMDB on HRV between sitting and supine positions for both wheelchair-bound and healthy groups. However, the significant improvement in mood scales, with lower scores in nervousness and stress, among the wheelchair-bound group during VAMDB sessions suggests that the emotional and psychological benefits of this intervention may be more pronounced in a seated position.