Simba research for children with asthma nominated by Dutch Lung Fund
29-04-2019
The Simba research project, a cooperation of the research groups 'Exercise Therapy' and 'Digital Life', has been nominated for the audience award of the Dutch Lung Fund. This research reached the top 3, after which the researchers - for example Annette Brons of the Digital Life Centre - have presented their project during the so called 'Lung Days' in April.
During the Simba project the researchers developed the app Foxfit that encourages children with asthma to get more exercise. Sufficient exercise is important for every child, but for children with asthma it is more important because exercise can reduce asthma symptoms. Fewer complaints generally means that these children can come along better with their peers. The only difficulty is that many children with asthma often move too little, for example because of fear of choke and therefore trouble.
The app Foxfit is special because it has been developed together with ánd also for children with asthma. For example, children suggested that it's important to receive a reward when they enhance their moving. The researchers also asked advice to parents and caregivers. An online dashboard visualizes the information from the app - which is filled out by the children themselves - to the healthcare professionals. In this way they gain insight into the interaction between exercise and asthma symptoms.
You can watch the Foxfit video on YouTube.
If you want to know more about it, read the Dutch article.