Dubbed ‘PAWS,’ which is short for ‘Physical Artefact for Well-being Support,’ this breathing ball works in conjunctions with body sensors that keep tabs on users’ respiratory patterns before conveying the relevant data to the ball. The ball then engages its included pneumatic mechanism to inflate and deflate in a manner that mimics the user’s breathing rhythm.
Farrall explained that when users hold on to the ball, their breathing manifests into a physical form, which can serve to open the way to psychological benefits. “They can feel and see the flow of air as the object expands and contracts,” Farrall said. “This allows them to become more aware of their own internal sensations and more receptive to psychological change.”
Image Credit: University of Bath
