Resperate

RESPeRATE (also stylized as Resperate) is an over the counter portable, battery-operated personal therapeutic medical device that is purported to lower blood pressure. The product is manufactured by InterCure and is considered to be a biofeedback device that helps guide paced breathing to modify blood pressure. It was cleared in 2002 by the FDA as a biofeedback device under an .
Resperate is comprised of a clamshell-shaped plastic unit about the size of an ordinary book in which is embedded a rectangular LED screen, a sensor attached to a lightweight fabric belt, and a set of earphones. To use the machine, patients fasten the sensor belt around the abdomen, while wearing a set of earphones that is plugged into the device. When the device is turned on, the sensor relays information about breathing patterns and rate. The device plays a melody (heard through the earphones, with visual cues on the LED screen) comprising two tones. A rising tone guides inhalation while a lower tone accompanies exhalation. The respiratory rate during use is shown on the LED display.
Reception
The American Heart Association has recommended Resperate as a "reasonable option to support lowering BP". This claim was disputed by a Netherlands diabetes clinic, who stated that they had performed an "investigator-initiated, double-blind, and sham-controlled trial" and had not found any changes in blood pressure. A study published in High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Prevention showed that test users reported that the machine did help them relax, but expressed that the machines had "operational issues" and that the lack of musical variety in tone guides was an issue. Further studies have been performed testing the product in various scenarios, such as reducing anxiety during a dental exam.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu