Equipment for training and monitoring the respiratory system

Abstract

The device for training and monitoring the respiratory system comprises a body (2) defining an inhalation chamber (2a) and an exhalation chamber (2b) in communication with the external environment via respective external seats and interconnected by a central chamber (21). A mouthpiece (3) is further capable of selectively fluidly communicating with the inhalation chamber (2a) or the exhalation chamber (2b) via a corresponding one-way valve (4). A measurement sensor (5) is coupled to the body (2) for measuring values ​​representative of the respiratory process and for independently monitoring the inhalation and exhalation contributions. Such representative values ​​are acquired by a control unit (6). Finally, an adjustable load is disposed between the mouthpiece and the central chamber.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices focused on data collection and training purposes.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for training and monitoring the respiratory system. [Background technology]

[0003] Caring for people and monitoring their health is a fundamental aspect of ensuring a good quality of life.

[0004] In such circumstances, devices and techniques relating to the promotion and maintenance of respiratory health are of particular interest.

[0005] Indeed, the respiratory system is subject to many diseases that can impair its function and make breathing difficult, thereby posing a significant obstacle to an individual's health.

[0006] Even in the absence of disease, it remains desirable to develop new techniques and procedures that allow for training and monitoring of respiratory system health.

[0007] Devices for training the respiratory system are known, which assist a user in a series of exercises making it possible to intensify the respiratory activity.

[0008] One example of such a device involves the use of a measurement sensor mounted within a chamber having a pair of openings therein adapted to allow airflow caused by the user's respiratory activity to pass through the chamber.

[0009] Indeed, using the measurement sensors it is possible to verify the force that the user is able to exert during breathing activity, which makes it possible to carry out an assessment of the user's health condition (for example, a particularly low value of maximum force may indicate the presence of certain diseases of the respiratory system).

[0010] However, the device just presented, like others known in the art, is still subject to structural and functional shortcomings and remains unsatisfactory.

[0011] In particular, the described devices are not very versatile and therefore not very adaptable to the needs of individual users.

[0012] Moreover, such devices have an inherent difficulty in relating a particular measured pressure value to the inspiratory or expiratory activity which caused it. Summary of the Invention

[0013] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to propose a device for training the respiratory system, which overcomes at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for training and monitoring the respiratory system that can effectively and efficiently measure the pressure a user generates while breathing, regardless of the particular situation / condition of use.

[0015] The stated technical problem and the identified object are substantially achieved by an apparatus for training the respiratory system, which combines the features of a breathing training and spirometry tool, including the technical features disclosed in one or more of the appended claims.

[0016] In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for training and monitoring the respiratory system is presented.

[0017] Such a device basically comprises a body, a mouthpiece, a pair of one-way valves, a measurement sensor, a control unit and an adjustable load.

[0018] The body defines an inhalation chamber and an exhalation chamber interconnected by a central chamber.

[0019] The mouthpiece may be associated with the central chamber and in fluid communication with the central chamber.

[0020] Each chamber has a respective exterior sheet that places the chamber in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0021] These chambers are further alternately in fluid communication with the central chamber via one-way valves.

[0022] In particular, one of the one-way valves is arranged between the central chamber and the inhalation chamber and the other between the central chamber and the exhalation chamber so as to allow the passage of airflow from the external environment to the mouthpiece via the central chamber only through the inhalation chamber, and so as to allow the passage of airflow from the mouthpiece to the external environment only through the exhalation chamber, always via said central chamber.

[0023] The measurement sensor is coupled to the body and is configured to measure a value representative of the user's respiratory activity.

[0024] Such representative values ​​may include at least one of the following: a pressure value, a volume or a flow rate of the airflow in the central chamber when the central chamber is in fluid communication with the inhalation or exhalation chamber.

[0025] The measurement sensor may therefore in particular be a pressure sensor.

[0026] The control unit is coupled to the measurement sensor.

[0027] An adjustable load is disposed between the mouthpiece and the central chamber.

[0028] That is, there is a single modular load which, due to its particular location and configuration, can act on both the inhalation and exhalation chambers simultaneously.

[0029] The adjustable resistance is operable in a plurality of resistance configurations, each of the plurality of resistance configurations adapted to determine a distinct resistance to the passage of air between the mouthpiece and the central chamber that is compatible with inhalation and exhalation training activities.

[0030] Advantageously, the apparatus described herein enables accurate and precise assessment of various parameters identifying a user's respiratory activity, clearly and accurately identifying the contributions provided by the user's inspiratory and expiratory activity, independent of each other.

[0031] The dependent claims, which are incorporated herein by reference, correspond to different embodiments of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent from the approximate, and therefore non-limiting, description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a device for training the respiratory system, shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a diagram of an apparatus according to the invention. [Diagram 2] A cross section of FIG. [Diagram 3] Some of the components of the device are shown in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] In the accompanying drawings, the reference number 1 generally indicates an apparatus for training and monitoring the respiratory system, which will hereinafter be referred to simply as apparatus 1.

[0034] In particular, the present invention involves training the respiratory muscles, the essential muscles involved in carrying out the act of breathing, namely the diaphragm, intercostal and accessory muscles, and monitoring the strength and resistance of these muscles and respiratory volume.

[0035] For purposes of this specification, the terms "training" and "monitoring" are intended to include any actions and procedures that may be performed to control and / or improve the training and health of an individual's respiratory system.

[0036] That is, the devices described herein may be used to monitor and / or improve the health and function of the respiratory system.

[0037] From a structural point of view, the device 1 comprises a body 2 , a mouthpiece 3 , a pair of valves 4 , a measurement sensor 5 , a resistive load 7 and a control unit 6 .

[0038] The main body 2 has dimensions such that it can be easily carried around and makes the device 1 a handheld device.

[0039] Advantageously, the body 2 has an ergonomic shape and can be made, for example, through an injection moulding process, making it particularly simple and easy for the user to grasp and use.

[0040] More specifically, the body 2 defines therein an inhalation chamber 2a and an exhalation chamber 2b.

[0041] Such chambers are clearly distinct and separate, i.e. direct passage of air from one to the other is not possible due to the presence and specific mode of operation of valve 4 described below.

[0042] Both chambers 2a, 2b have respective external sheets that put them in fluid communication with the external environment.

[0043] That is, both the inhalation chamber 2a and the exhalation chamber 2b face the external environment via respective external sheets, each of which operatively defines a passageway through which air can pass between the external environment and the corresponding chamber 2a, 2b.

[0044] The body 2 further defines a central chamber 21 disposed between the inhalation chamber 2a and the exhalation chamber 2b, i.e., the two chambers 2a, 2b are separated / spaced from each other by the central chamber 21, which can be selectively in fluid communication with only one of them at a time (as described below).

[0045] Such chambers 2 a , 2 b may further be in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 3 , but always via the central chamber 21 .

[0046] That is, the central chamber 21 is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 3, allowing the mouthpiece 3 to communicate with either the inhalation chamber 2a or the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0047] An adjustable load 7 is disposed between the central chamber 21 and the mouthpiece 3, the structure and operation of which will be discussed below.

[0048] Preferably, the chambers 2a, 2b have an elongated shape, for example a cylindrical shape, and the outer sheet of each chamber 2a, 2b is arranged at the opposite end relative to the end at which the chamber 2a, 2b is connected to the central chamber 21.

[0049] The central chamber 21 and mouthpiece 3 also have a substantially cylindrical shape, with the mouthpiece 3 and one of the inhalation chamber 2a and exhalation chamber 2b being connected to opposite ends of the central chamber 2c and the remaining chambers being connected to its sides.

[0050] Such a particular shape is particularly suited to establishing an airflow that meets the medical requirements of spirometry during use.

[0051] Thus, in operation, the mouthpiece 3 will be configured to be in fluid communication with either the inhalation chamber 2a or the exhalation chamber 2b in an independent manner via a single central chamber 21.

[0052] More particularly, the mouthpiece 3 is therefore configured to selectively be in fluid communication with either the inhalation chamber 2a or the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0053] That is, the mouthpiece 3 (through which a user interacts with the device 1) may be in fluid communication with only the inhalation chamber 2a or the exhalation chamber 2b simultaneously with use of the device 1.

[0054] The selective connection of the mouthpiece 3 is made possible by the presence of a pair of one-way valves 4, one located between the inhalation chamber 2a and the central chamber 21 and the other located between the exhalation chamber 2b and the central chamber 21.

[0055] In particular, such a one-way valve 4 is positioned to allow the passage and establishment of airflow through the central chamber 21 only in the direction from the inhalation chamber 2a to the mouthpiece 3 and from the mouthpiece 3 to the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0056] That is, a pair of one-way valves 4 are disposed between the central chamber 21 and the inhalation chamber 2a and exhalation chamber 2b, respectively, so as to allow airflow to pass from the external environment to the mouthpiece 3 only through the inhalation chamber 2a, and to allow airflow to pass from the mouthpiece 3 to the external environment only through the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0057] This allows airflow generated by a user's inhalation activity, during use of the device 1, to follow only a path extending from the inhalation chamber 2a, through the central chamber 21 and to reach the mouthpiece 3.

[0058] Correspondingly, the airflow generated by the expiratory activity can only follow a path that extends from the mouthpiece 3 through the central chamber 21 to reach the expiratory chamber 2b.

[0059] Such a feature advantageously makes it possible to keep the airflow generated by the user's breathing separated, thus allowing accurate measurements and evaluations relating to the two separate activities (inhalation and exhalation) to be performed independently and without the risk of the two activities interfering with each other.

[0060] Furthermore, the particular arrangement of the pair of valves 4 ensures the creation of a controlled and stable environment in the central chamber 21 (enabling particularly accurate and precise measurements) without impeding the establishment of normal airflow resulting from the user's breathing activity.

[0061] Advantageously, the device 1 may further comprise at least one mouthpiece attachment 3a reversibly connectable to the mouthpiece 3, which may be held in the mouth by a user during operation of the device 1.

[0062] Advantageously, the removable and therefore interchangeable nature of the mouthpiece attachment 3a not only enables subsequent use of the device 1 over time and by different users in a particularly safe and hygienic manner, but also makes it possible to combine mouthpiece attachments 3a having different structures, sizes and shapes.

[0063] In particular, such mouthpiece attachments 3 a may include medical mouthpiece attachments, sports mouthpiece attachments, masks or similar devices structured to allow a user to inhale inside the device 1 .

[0064] Furthermore, the presence of the mouthpiece attachment 3 a prevents the user from applying direct pressure with their mouth to the mouthpiece 3 , which could result in erroneous readings by the measurement sensor 5 .

[0065] The device 1 may further comprise at least one filter arranged between the mouthpiece 3 and the central chamber 21 and / or between the central chamber 21 and at least one of the inhalation chamber 2a and the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0066] Such a filter performs the function of preventing the ingress of contaminants present in the air inside the user's respiratory tract or the transfer of contaminants present in the user's breath to the device 1 .

[0067] In the former case, contaminants such as dust and allergens are specifically mentioned, while in the latter case, bacteria and viruses are given as examples.

[0068] Advantageously, the filter is also removable and can be removed from the device 1 and replaced as required.

[0069] The measurement sensor 5 is coupled to the body 2 and is configured to measure values ​​representative of the user's respiratory activity in the inhalation chamber 2a and in the exhalation chamber 2b, in particular during use of the device 1.

[0070] Such representative values ​​may include, by way of example, at least one of a pressure value, a volume or a flow rate of the airflow generated by the user's breathing activity and measured / evaluated independently for inhalation and exhalation activity.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the measurement sensor 5 comprises a measurement sensor made using a differential piezoelectric pressure sensor.

[0072] In general, the measurement sensor 5 comprises a first terminal configured to acquire a first measurement signal in the central chamber 21 and a second measurement terminal configured to acquire a second measurement signal at the mouthpiece 3.

[0073] Such measurement signals also contain relevant information identifying the user's respiratory activity.

[0074] In particular, the representative signal is calculated as a function of the difference between the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0075] More specifically, from a structural point of view, the first measurement terminal is arranged on a surface of the adjustable load 7 facing the mouthpiece 3, and the second measurement terminal is arranged on a surface of the adjustable load 7 facing the central chamber 21.

[0076] Under normal conditions, an individual's respiratory activity will generate low pressure values, usually between 200cmH2O and less than 100cmH2O (it should be noted that 100cmH2O corresponds to 9.8Kpa).

[0077] Therefore, given the scale of the values ​​being measured, their absolute measurement is difficult and requires the use of expensive and complex equipment to obtain sufficiently accurate results.

[0078] In contrast, a piezoelectric differential measurement sensor makes it possible to evaluate not the absolute value of the pressure but rather its variation during the use of the device 1, thus making it possible to obtain accurate, reliable and meaningful results even with a relatively simple structure.

[0079] Advantageously, the measurement sensor 5, regardless of its particular type, is waterproof or is waterproofed.

[0080] Indeed, such a measurement sensor 5 is inserted inside the inhalation and exhalation chambers 2a, 2b and is therefore continuously, possibly for long periods of time, exposed to the user's breath and to the moisture normally present in the air.

[0081] In this connection, the waterproofing of the measurement sensor 5 therefore makes it possible to prevent damage to the measurement sensor 5 by moisture and to extend its service life.

[0082] As shown, the adjustable load 7 is disposed between the central chamber 21 and the mouthpiece 3 .

[0083] The adjustable resistance 7 is operable in a plurality of resistance configurations, each of which is adapted to determine a distinct resistance to the passage of air and to perform inhalation and exhalation training activities.

[0084] In other words, the adjustable load 7 represents an element of the device 1 intended to determine the ease of passage of air through the central chamber 21 relative to the inhalation chamber 2a and the exhalation chamber 2b.

[0085] This makes it possible to train the respiratory system and / or monitor its performance in effort situations where resistance to the user's respiratory activity is actively countered via the adjustable load 7.

[0086] In particular, the adjustable load 7 comprises a load body 7a coupled to the body 2 and having a number of holes 7b of different sizes.

[0087] Preferably, such a plurality of holes are shaped such that in use they define or contribute to the definition of respective venturis.

[0088] Thereby, after passing the modular load 7, the air flow moves in laminar conditions, thus enabling the measurement sensor 5 to obtain representative values ​​in a particularly accurate and precise manner.

[0089] Such a plurality of holes 7b can selectively overlap the passageway section that places the central chamber 21 in fluid communication with the mouthpiece 3 so as to effectively vary the passageway section through which airflow can flow during breathing activity.

[0090] That is, the passageway section that allows airflow to and from the mouthpiece 3 relative to the inhalation chamber 2a and exhalation chamber 2b has a maximum size, preferably a diameter in the case of circular holes 7b, which is variable and determined by the size of the particular hole 7b that is activated by overlapping the passageway sections.

[0091] Preferably, the holes have a range of sizes increasing from a minimum of 2 millimeters in diameter.

[0092] In operation, smaller holes 7b make it more difficult for air to pass through, and larger holes 7b provide less resistance during use of the device 1 and therefore make it easier for the user to inhale and exhale.

[0093] In particular, for VT (Tidal Volume), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and VC (Vital Capacity) type breathing tests, the use of larger holes ensures the formation of a laminar flow that does not affect the pressure inside the central chamber 2c.

[0094] In contrast, for the performance of MIP (maximum inspiratory pressure) and MEP (maximum expiratory pressure) tests, the use of a small hole (diameter) equal to 2 mm makes the performance of this type of test optimal.

[0095] More specifically, the load body 7a is rotatably moveable relative to the body 2b to position corresponding holes 7b over the passage sections in each load configuration.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustable load 7 comprises two load bodies 7a, in particular a first load body 7a connected to the external sheet of the inhalation chamber 2a and a second load body 7a connected to the external sheet of the exhalation chamber 2b, which are configured to adjust the resistance to the passage of air from the external environment to such chambers 2a, 2b.

[0097] This makes it possible to independently determine the particular load configuration that the two chambers 2a, 2b will assume when the device 1 is in use.

[0098] It is observed that when there are load bodies 7a associated with individual chambers and load bodies 7a associated with passage sections, the load bodies 7a associated with the passage sections determine the common resistance experienced by the inhalation and exhalation processes, while the individual load bodies 7a associated directly to the individual inhalation chambers 2a or exhalation chambers 2b make it possible to adjust in a particularly fine and precise manner any particular resistance value for the respective activity.

[0099] Preferably, the adjustable load 7, i.e. each of the adjustable loads 7a, is operable between a maximum load configuration which exerts a resistance to the passage of air of 270 cmH2O or less, and a minimum load configuration which exerts a resistance to the passage of air of 0 cmH2O or more.

[0100] Such a wide range of resistance values ​​makes the device 1 particularly versatile and suitable for use in a wide range of different situations, and easily adaptable to training procedures for the respiratory system and to the assessment of its functionality in the clinical field.

[0101] Advantageously, the device 1 may further comprise an encoder attached to the load body 7a and arranged to measure its angular position.

[0102] As a result, the position of the load body 7a can be continuously monitored and advantageously transmitted to the control unit 6 in the form of a load signal making it possible to uniquely identify the load configuration assumed by the adjustable load 7.

[0103] That is, by means of the encoder, the control unit 6 can detect the rotation angle of the body 7a at any time and can then deduce which holes 7b are active, i.e. which determine the size of the passage section through which the airflow generated by the user's breathing activity passes.

[0104] This makes it possible to automatically and autonomously determine at any time the specific resistance to be opposed to the user's respiratory activity.

[0105] More generally, the control unit is primarily configured to obtain the information provided by the encoder and utilize it to more accurately analyze and / or evaluate and / or interpret the representative values ​​received by the measurement sensor.

[0106] Continuous monitoring of the applied load values ​​therefore ensures high measurement accuracy and makes it possible to always correctly assess the actual validity of the measured values ​​relative to representative values.

[0107] Typically, the control unit receives representative values ​​during use of the device 1 .

[0108] Such representative values ​​generally indicate the effort exerted by the user on inhalation and exhalation, respectively, and therefore enable an assessment to be made of the user's health status, in particular the health of the respiratory system.

[0109] In fact, a healthy individual can exert a greater pressure than an individual suffering from a disease that affects the respiratory system to such an extent that it affects its operation.

[0110] Furthermore, the use of the device 1 makes it possible to carry out training cycles aimed at improving the operation of the respiratory system, in particular by repeating inhalations / exhalations carried out at a certain frequency or with the achievement of certain target pressure values, in particular in the presence of an adjustable load 7.

[0111] The device 1 may also be equipped with further sensors and / or the measurement sensor 5 may be configured to measure further values, in particular values ​​related to biological parameters of the user.

[0112] Advantageously, the pressure values ​​obtained by the control unit can be displayed via a screen included in the device 1 (in particular coupled to the body 2) or connectable to the device.

[0113] Such a screen can furthermore display any information that the device 1 can process via its control unit 6, as well as general information regarding the operating status of the device 1.

[0114] Such information, i.e. the pressure values ​​and any further processable information, can also be stored on a reversibly readable storage medium which can be coupled to the body 2 .

[0115] That is, a readable storage medium can be coupled to the main body so that it can interface with the control unit 6 to exchange data / information, in particular to store a number of pressure values.

[0116] The readable storage medium may also associate pressure values ​​acquired by the control unit 6 with further identification data, for example the date and time when such pressure values ​​were acquired.

[0117] As a non-limiting example, the readable storage medium may include an SD card.

[0118] In particular, the coupling of the various removable elements to the device 1 can be obtained by inserting them into special housings formed in the main body 2 and which can be closed / opened, for example, by snap-on closures, in particular snap-fit ​​type closures.

[0119] The device 1 may also be equipped with a signaling device arranged to inform the user of an error condition of the device 1 itself. Preferably, the error condition is determined by a failure of the measurement sensor 5.

[0120] That is, whenever the measurement sensor 5 does not work properly and / or is damaged, the indicator generates an alarm to inform the user.

[0121] In particular, the alarm, if present, can be displayed on the screen or the signalling device can comprise one or more of an acoustic signalling device, an optical signalling device or a vibration motor that can be activated according to a specific protocol (combination of sound, light, vibration) to inform the user of a respective problem in the operation of the device 1. Advantageously, the device 1 can further comprise a transmission module configured to transmit the pressure values ​​obtained by the control unit 6 to a remote terminal such as a computer, a smartphone or a remote database.

[0122] Preferably, the transmission occurs using a wireless communication protocol, which may include, for example, at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a cellular network.

[0123] Thus, the transmission module, in addition to transmitting to the remote terminal, manages and coordinates not only the possible reception of pressure values ​​but also the possible reception of any information processed / processable by the control unit 6.

[0124] This allows information regarding the use of device 1 to be transmitted remotely, for example to a medical professional's facility, where medical professionals can analyze such data and develop a specific diagnostic and / or training plan for the individual user.

[0125] Furthermore, the device 1, and in particular the transmission module, is capable of interfacing with a remote database, preferably a computing cloud, in order to store the representative values ​​and their changes over time and during successive use of the device, and to retrieve one or more items of operational information from said remote database.

[0126] Preferably, said performance information comprises at least one training regimen defined by the number of uses of the device 1 in a predefined time interval and / or the load configuration of each use of the device 1.

[0127] That is, the device 1 may interface with a remote database that may define an online platform from which a number of pieces of information are collected and obtained that a user can use to manage the operation of the device 1 .

[0128] Such a database may also provide additional customization options, allowing individual training plans to be customized according to information derivable from the representative values ​​and the user's biometric and personal data, which the user may provide themselves or which may be obtained from a medical facility.

[0129] Advantageously, the device 1, and in particular the control unit, is in real-time communication with a database into which the user's relevant medical and biometric information (age, sex, height, weight, medical condition) is inserted.

[0130] This information makes it possible to compare the data acquired in real time by the measurement sensor 5 with corresponding values ​​stored, memorized or archived in a database and / or with medically predictable values ​​for training and monitoring procedures of people belonging to the same category as the user (in terms of age, medical condition or similar classification parameters).

[0131] A comparison of such data makes it possible to assess the user's health status (for example, values ​​different from those provided for people of the same category may indicate the onset of a disease) and also to create a custom training plan adapted according to the user's specific needs (in particular in terms of the choice of the load to be applied using the adjustable load 7), depending on the information contained in the database regarding the movements of users belonging to a similar category.

[0132] In general, the remote database may provide a calendar service that provides the user with instructions on a daily or regular, pre-set interval for planning the use of the device 1 or for carrying out a specific training plan with the aim of collecting pressure values ​​that can be used for diagnostic purposes.

[0133] Such a platform or database can also be remotely accessed by facilities and medical personnel who, as already indicated, can use the collected information for stable training programs or to determine the occurrence of a pathological condition in the user.

[0134] The control unit 6 can also process the representative values ​​through the use of statistical and predictive algorithms to determine possible thresholds that identify correct execution of a particular training plan and can provide feedback to the user regarding said correct execution, and can generate a warning signal if the deviation is greater than a predefined limit value, possibly sending it to a remote database (e.g. so that it can be identified by the medical facility that prepared such a training plan).

[0135] Advantageously, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings noted in the prior art and achieves the proposed objectives by providing the user with a device for training the respiratory system that ensures an accurate and precise measurement of the effort exerted by the user to breathe, and that is highly versatile allowing it to be used in a wide variety of situations.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for training and monitoring the respiratory system, comprising: a body (2), an inhalation chamber (2a) and an exhalation chamber (2b) having respective external sheets adapted to place said inhalation chamber (2a) and said exhalation chamber (2b) in fluid communication with the external environment; a body (2) defining a central chamber located between said inhalation chamber (2a) and said exhalation chamber (2b); a mouthpiece (3) associated with said central chamber (21) and adapted to selectively fluidly communicate with said inhalation chamber (2a) or said exhalation chamber (2b) via said central chamber (21); a pair of one-way valves (4) arranged between said central chamber (21) and said inhalation chamber (2a) and said exhalation chamber (2b), respectively, to allow the passage of airflow from said external environment only through said inhalation chamber (2a) towards said mouthpiece (3) and from said mouthpiece (3) only through said exhalation chamber (2b) to said external environment; a measurement sensor (5) coupled to said body (2) and adapted to independently measure a value representative of a user's respiratory activity when said central chamber (21) is in fluid communication with said inhalation chamber (2a) or said inhalation chamber (2b); an adjustable load (7) arranged between said mouthpiece (3) and said central chamber (21), operable in a plurality of load configurations, each of said plurality of load configurations adapted to determine a separate resistance to the passage of air between said central chamber (21) and said mouthpiece (3) in order to perform inhalation and exhalation training; a control unit (6) coupled to said measurement sensor (5) for obtaining said representative value.

2. The measurement sensor (5) a first measurement terminal configured to acquire a first measurement signal in said central chamber (21); a second measurement terminal configured to obtain a second measurement signal at said mouthpiece (3), 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the representative signal is calculated as a function of the difference between the first and second measurement signals, the representative signal preferably comprising at least one of a pressure value, a volume or a flow rate of the air flow.

3. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first measurement terminal is arranged on a surface of the adjustable load (7) facing the mouthpiece (3) and the second measurement terminal is arranged on a surface of the adjustable load (7) facing the central chamber (21).

4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable load (7) comprises a load body (7a) coupled to the main body (2) and having a plurality of holes (7b) of different sizes, the load body (7a) being rotatably movable relative to the main body (2) so as to position corresponding holes (7b) on passage sections between the central chamber (21) and the mouthpiece (3) in each load configuration.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of holes define respective venturi tubes.

6. The adjustable load (7) is 270 cmH against the passage of air. ２ The maximum load configuration exerts a resistance of 0 cmH or less and the air passage is 0 cmH ２ 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is operable between a minimum load configuration exerting a resistance of O or more.

7. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement sensor (5) comprises a piezoelectric differential measurement sensor (5).

8. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measurement sensor (5) is waterproof or waterproofed.

9. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising an encoder attached to the load body (7a) and configured to transmit a load signal to the control unit (6) identifying the load configuration assumed by the adjustable load (7).

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a transmission module configured to transmit said representative values ​​to a remote terminal, preferably in real time, preferably by a wireless communication protocol, more preferably by a wireless communication protocol comprising at least one of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular networks.

11. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising or connectable to a screen arranged to display at least said representative values.

12. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a reversibly readable storage medium coupled to the body and interfaceable with the control unit (6) for receiving and storing the representative values.

13. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signaling device configured to inform a user of an error state of the apparatus, the error state being preferably determined by a failure of the measurement sensor (5), the signaling device preferably comprising at least one of an optical signaling device, an acoustic signaling device and a vibration motor.

14. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one mouthpiece attachment (3a) reversibly connectable to the mouthpiece (3).

15. 4. The device according to claim 1, comprising at least one filter arranged between the mouthpiece (3) and the central chamber (21) and / or between the central chamber (21) and at least one of the inhalation chamber (2a) and the exhalation chamber (2b).

16. 4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is capable of interfacing with a remote database, preferably a computing cloud, for storing the representative values ​​and for retrieving one or more items of performance information from the remote database, the performance information preferably including at least one training plan defined at least by the number of uses of the apparatus in a predetermined time interval and / or by a load configuration for each use.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured to compare the representative value with one or more predetermined threshold values ​​representative of usage parameters of the apparatus, and to generate a warning signal in response to the comparison.

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