Email

By Harriette Halepis

Source Acquired Via Mansfield News Journal, March, 26, 2010 – Medical researchers from Madison, Wisconsin, are seeking the help of Ohio asthmatic adults for asthma-related research. The group of researchers from the University of Wisconsin hope to find out what triggers asthma attacks in those who live in rural communities.

GPS & Medical Issues

Using a GPS tracking tool called “Sprioscout,” (developed by Reciprocal Sciences) the team of researchers should be able to tell when and where participants suffer asthma attacks. Spiroscout is a type of inhaler that also acts as a GPS tracker. Whenever a study participant needs help from the inhaler, the GPS tracking device will send a signal to researchers.

The main goal of the asthma study is to “…document patterns of asthma symptoms among rural residents in Midwestern states…” This will help researchers to “…learn more about possible environmental exposures that potentially lead to asthma attacks.” Presently, it is known that various substances that can be found in rural areas (such as dust, grains, and other items) can cause asthma attacks, but researchers are hoping to find “…new hypotheses.”

Anyone who lives within the Ohio area can participate in this study. While the researchers aren’t looking to alter any medications or provide prescriptions, they are looking to gather data that could help asthma sufferers around the world. Study participants will be given a gift card for their participation. Those who want to be a part of this study should contact the team of researchers by calling 608-554-0750.

The Spiroscout is the first medical instrument of its kind, though it may prove to be an important one. If the team of University of Wisconsin researchers can find out what triggers various asthma attacks, those who suffer from asthma can recognize environmental triggers before an attack occurs.

Even though GPS trackers are often used to track criminals and prevent objects from being stolen, there is a lot of potential for medical trackers as well. If this study proves to be effective, it is safe to state that many other GPS and medical manufacturing companies will follow Reciprocal Sciences lead.