Researchers at Kennesaw State University's mHealth Research Lab are pioneering smartphone-based applications to address pressing healthcare issues. Launched by Assistant Professor Nazmus Sakib, the lab focuses on developing practical and accessible solutions for screen addiction in children, Alzheimer's disease care, and enhancing digital readiness for military personnel. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced technologies like AI and micro-radar, these projects aim to improve quality of life and provide innovative support systems for various populations.
The lab's initiatives include ScreenSafeFuture, which combats screen addiction among young children through personalized non-screen activities, educational resources, and a reward system. Additionally, SafeCircle uses AI and micro-radar to monitor patients with Alzheimer's disease, ensuring their safety while reducing caregiver stress. Another project, DigiMindReady, enhances digital readiness for military personnel, demonstrating the lab's commitment to diverse and critical needs.
Promoting Healthy Media Habits in Early Childhood
The ScreenSafeFuture project targets the growing concern of excessive screen time among infants and toddlers. By leveraging smartphones, this initiative offers parents practical tools to manage and limit their children's exposure to screens. The application features an AI-driven system that suggests alternative activities tailored to individual needs, promoting healthy cognitive and emotional development. It also includes an educational repository and a digital reward system to encourage positive media habits.
To combat screen addiction effectively, ScreenSafeFuture integrates four key components: personalized non-screen activity recommendations, an educational resource center, a screen time tracking dashboard, and a gamified reward system. The AI-assisted activity suggestions are based on user data and research guidelines, ensuring that each recommendation is age-appropriate and beneficial. Parents can access daily educational insights that translate complex findings into actionable guidance, empowering them to make informed decisions about their child's media consumption. The screen time tracker allows parents to set boundaries and monitor usage, while the reward system motivates children to engage in healthier activities. This comprehensive approach not only limits screen time but also fosters a balanced lifestyle for young children.
Enhancing Care for Alzheimer's Patients with Advanced Monitoring Systems
The SafeCircle project addresses the unique challenges faced by patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Utilizing AI and micro-radar technology, SafeCircle provides accurate monitoring of falls and wandering, common safety concerns for this population. Unlike traditional systems that compromise privacy or incur high costs, SafeCircle offers a cost-effective and user-friendly solution. The system sends alerts and contextual videos to caregivers, enabling immediate responses and reducing false positives.
SafeCircle's innovative use of micro-radar signals ensures precise detection without posing health risks. The platform's smartphone-based design allows caregivers to receive real-time alerts and 30-second video clips, providing essential context for quick and appropriate action. By improving the caregiving experience, SafeCircle aims to enhance patient safety and independence while alleviating the emotional, physical, and financial burdens on caregivers. This project has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and holds significant potential for transforming AD/ADRD care. Through continuous refinement and market readiness, SafeCircle seeks to become a vital tool in supporting families affected by Alzheimer's disease, ultimately improving their overall quality of life.