A User-Friendly MP3 Player for Music Therapy BME 200/300 University of Wisconsin - Madison December 12, 2008 Team: Joel Webb – BSAC Jonathan Mantes – BWIG Joey Labuz – Team CoLeader Derek Klavas – Communicator Michael Conrardy – Team CoLeader Client: Dr. Kristine Kwekkeboom, PhD, RN School of Nursing, UW Hospital Advisor: Professor John Webster, Ph.D. Dept. of Biomedical Engineering2Table of Contents A User-Friendly MP3 Player for Music Therapy .......................................................... 1 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 2 Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 3 Background ......................................................................................................................... 3 Problem Statement .............................................................................................................. 4 Motivation ........................................................................................................................... 5 Client Requirements............................................................................................................ 6 Existing Devices ................................................................................................................. 7 Design Proposal 1 - The iPod Exoskeleton......................................................................... 9 Design Proposal 2 - An External Controller for the iPod Nano ....................................... 11 Design Proposal 3 - A User-Friendly Interface for the iPod Touch ................................. 13 Design Evaluation ............................................................................................................. 18 Future Work ...................................................................................................................... 19 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 20 References ......................................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................... 23 3Abstract The goal of this design project is to develop a user-friendly MP3 player for elderly cancer patients. Current designs of MP3 players are difficult to operate for elderly people with limited motor skills and minor disabilities. Research indicates that music is an effective way to induce relaxation and distraction for patients to help manage pain and fatigue [3]. In order for music therapy to be an effective tool in pain therapy, patients must be familiar with MP3 devices. By creating a MP3 player that is easy to use, patients will be able to take full advantage of music therapy. Background Music has been shown to improve mood, promote relaxation, and induce sleep in elderly cancer patients. Despite these findings, however, implementation remains low [5]. Soothing music and its subtle vibrations stimulate these responses [3], and for a patient experiencing chronic pain, it can be a welcomed distraction. When utilized as a treatment, nurses usually monitor this type of relaxation therapy. However, advancements in technology have allowed music therapy to be implemented almost anywhere. Being able to control where and when this musical intervention takes place is very beneficial to the patient. In fact, research has shown that patient expectations play a significant role in the success rate of such pain therapies [4]. Portable devices such as mp3 and CD players have made it possible to make relaxation therapy feasible within, as well as away from, the clinical setting. When music therapy is coupled with a relaxing setting, the effects can be invaluable to the patient. This method of therapy is in no way a4cure for cancer, but it has been able to help patients fall asleep and relieve pain for short periods of time. Problem Statement Currently, our client’s group is conducting a research study using recorded relaxation, distraction, and imagery exercises to help patients with cancer manage their symptoms – including pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. In today’s busy cancer care settings, there is not sufficient staff or time to provide these symptom management strategies precisely when and where patients need them. Their team has developed an intervention using recorded strategies that are delivered on an mp3 player. However, because cancer is a disease associated with aging, many of those affected are unfamiliar with common mp3 devices. Moreover, the elderly may have difficulty seeing the small display screens and text, as well as have fine motor limitations that interfere with operating small controls. In a recent feasibility study done by our client’s group, older cancer patients said that they enjoyed learning to use the mp3 player and listening to the recordings, but struggled with managing controls (on / off / hold), and navigating between recordings and menus [4]. Our goal is to develop an mp3 player that will be easy to use for older patients: a device with an easily visible screen, large buttons, and simple navigation options. In addition, data gathering features might also be built into the system to make research easier for our client. For example, the device could have the ability to monitor treatment ‘dose’ by logging specific recordings played, length of time they were played, and frequency of plays. Finally, the device must remain portable, allowing the patient to apply the therapy in a variety of locations.5Motivation The current mp3 players used by the school of nursing are second and third generation iPod Nanos (Figure 1). The iPod Nano has a very small click wheel (2.5-3.25 cm diameter) for navigating its menu, which is displayed on a small screen (5 cm for the 3rd generation or 3.75 cm for the 2nd generation). Dr. Kwekkeboom has found that some patients using these mp3 players have trouble seeing this small screen and navigating the menu using the click wheel. Besides the physical difficulties with the device patients also reported that they had trouble navigating through the different settings, menus, and
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