Over 33% of adults will experience a chronic cough in their lifetime.

JMU researchers have identified a promising (patent pending) non-invasive technique to reduce chronic coughing, a condition that affects 30% of people at least once in a lifetime. This therapy uses a wearable device, similar to a necklace, to apply vibrations at the base of the throat. Such vibrations have been demonstrated to desensitize overactive neurons in the throat and reduce the urge to cough. This project will advance the design of the wearable device for manufacturing, with the goal of enhancing research funding, investment, and licensing opportunities for this JMU-owned intellectual property.

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This project will refine the design of the cough suppression to further demonstrate its viability as a commercial wearable therapy. Faculty and student expertise in engineering, design, and wearable device design will be leveraged to

• Design a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, remotely controlled, wearable device to discretely apply the cough suppression vibration therapy.
• Create the engineering design documentation required for manufacturing and assembly fo a fully functional device.
• Develop the software and interface to remotely control the cough suppression device, monitor therapy progress, and share therapy-related information via a smartphone or mobile device.

With this design and documentation, approximately ten devices will be produced. Professionally manufactured devices will clearly convey the technology to patients, technology licensees and potential investors. Additionally, it will position the team to apply for additional research funding to demonstrate and study the efficacy of the technology as a non-invasive, at-home, wearable device therapy to alleviate chronic cough.

Read the full proposal.