Introducing Sparky: A playful approach to pediatric breathing health
LungGames, the Toronto-based innovator in breathing-powered interactive gaming, unveils Sparky™, a video game designed to teach preschool and young children the breathing exercises needed for healthy lungs. By turning respiratory practice into an engaging quest, Sparky aims to make lung health more accessible to families and establish a reliable, objective method for monitoring pediatric lung function. The game uses a portable spirometer as its controller, translating players’ breathing into on-screen actions that help Sparky complete tasks and adventures.
“Sparky teaches children proper breathing techniques while allowing clinicians and parents to monitor lung function remotely,” said Nancy Lum-Wilson, CEO of LungGames. The company emphasizes a preventative, family-centered model where data gathered during gameplay informs clinical assessment without placing excessive burden on young patients.
How Sparky works: turning breaths into gameplay
In Sparky, players use a portable spirometer to control in-game actions. When a child inhales, exhales, or sustains a breath according to the game’s cues, Sparky the cuddly animal character progresses through levels, solves simple puzzles, or completes tasks. This dynamic creates a consistent, repeatable way to practice breathing techniques that clinicians can interpret as objective indicators of lung function.
The design prioritizes child-friendly pacing and clear feedback. The game provides gentle guidance on breath length, cadence, and exhalation strength, while keeping the experience fun and non-threatening. Parents and clinicians can access summarized progress data, enabling remote monitoring of respiratory health and early detection of potential issues.
The need for objective pediatric respiratory assessment
Respiratory diseases such as asthma are common in early childhood, and diagnosing these conditions in very young patients has long posed challenges. Emergency department visits for respiratory problems remain high among children under five, and traditional testing can be difficult due to limited cooperation and the absence of child-appropriate diagnostic tools. Sparky™ proposes a practical solution: integrate objective breathing measures into a game children already want to play, making routine assessment less intimidating for families and more reliable for clinicians.
“Children playing the game will help healthcare professionals assess and diagnose respiratory diseases and help parents monitor lung health,” Lum-Wilson noted. By linking gameplay with clinical data, Sparky aspires to bridge the gap between pediatric care and user-friendly, scalable monitoring. The approach aligns with broader efforts to redesign health systems around prevention, accessibility, and family involvement.
Benefits for clinicians, parents, and children
For clinicians, Sparky can offer objective breathing data gathered in a non-invasive, pediatric-friendly context. Remote monitoring reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, supports early intervention, and helps families stay engaged in the care process. For parents, Sparky provides a clear, positive way to practice breathing with their child and observe progress over time, increasing confidence in managing potential respiratory concerns at home.
For children, Sparky blends education with entertainment. The game’s relatable mascot, guided by gentle feedback, helps youngsters learn essential breathing techniques without the stress often associated with medical testing. In addition to clinical value, Sparky can serve as an educational tool in schools or community programs, raising awareness about lung health from a young age.
Looking to the future: LungGames and inclusive respiratory health
LungGames, with roots in the Netherlands and operations in Canada, envisions a preventative digital ecosystem that places families in the driver’s seat while providing healthcare professionals with practical data. Sparky is part of a broader strategy to redesign respiratory care, improve health outcomes, and use digital tools to optimize resource use across healthcare systems. The company emphasizes accessibility, aiming to make lung health a universal priority for children and their caregivers.
As Sparky rolls out, stakeholders in pediatric care, early education, and health technology will be watching closely to see how gameplay-driven breathing training translates into real-world improvements in lung function and early diagnosis. If successful, Sparky could set a new standard for engaging, evidence-based respiratory health tools that empower families while supporting clinicians in delivering better care.
