A novel spectral analysis-based grading system for gastrointestinal activity

Abstract

Intestinal sounds, primarily generated by the movement of digested gas and liquids during peristalsis, are acoustic signals that provide valuable insights into intestinal functioning. Traditionally, doctors have relied on stethoscopes to assess the degree of gastrointestinal activity. Recent advancements in computer-aided technologies and electronic stethoscopes have enhanced the understanding and analysis of these sounds. Studies utilizing advanced techniques like deep learning and convolutional neural networks have shown promise in analyzing bowel sounds. Nevertheless, the reliance on personal judgment and the need for large labeled datasets limit the broader applicability of these methods. This study introduces an innovative, unsupervised grading system to objectively evaluate gastrointestinal motility by analyzing bowel sounds through spectral feature analysis. This system offers a practical alternative to traditional listening techniques or complex models. It computes an activity score for digital audio using a cost-effective numerical grading method to assist doctors in quantifying gastrointestinal motility. The method’s reliability, validated by Spearman’s rank correlation, confirms its accuracy in assessing activity levels and highlights its potential as a reliable and practical tool for supporting objective medical assessments of bowel activity.