Kids with CF spend almost an hour a day doing highly repetitive physiotherapy – let’s make it better. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder and a chronic illness affecting 100,000 people around the world that cannot be cured, only managed through daily physiotherapy and antibiotic treatment. PEP therapy is an airway clearance therapy used by CF patients, and this treatment can take well over
an hour per day. One of the biggest challenges for families with a CF child is finding the time to comply with prescribed treatments while balancing a normal life. Presently, BC Children’s Hospital Physiotherapy department recommends the PEP valve therapy procedure for children over six. PEP therapy is performed using a breathing mask. The main components of the PEP device consist of a one way valve connected to a small-exit or***ce. A manometer is incorporated to measure the expiratory pressure. The Bella Project is an endeavor to create a fun and engaging way for children with Cystic Fibrosis aged 6 to 12 to complete their daily Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) therapy. The Wireless PEP Mask, a hardware component that receives data from the inhalation therapy device that wirelessly transmits data to a mobile device, lets developers turn that data into game mechanics. The goal is to create engaging experiences that help children achieve their therapy goals, break through significant milestones, gain some independence and track their progress over time. To learn more about the Bella Project and how you can help, go here: http://thebellaproject.org
