On Fitness Trackers, COVID-19 and more
Photo by Jonathan Borba
Below is a sampling of research projects using fitness trackers such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, Oura Ring and WHOOP to provide early alerts about diseases such as COVID-19.
From Stanford University School of Medicine - Healthcare Innovation Lab
"We will collect data such as step count, body movement, electrical changes in the skin related to stress (galvanic skin response, GSR), skin temperature, your location (global positioning system, GPS), the amount of oxygen in your blood, your blood pressure, the quality of your sleep.
“We have previously shown that wearables data such as heart rate can be used for early detection of infectious disease, even before the appearance of symptoms. We are trying to apply this approach for early detection of COVID-19.
“[Study participants will] need a smartphone and a wearable such as Apple Watch, Fitbit, Empatica, Garmin, Oura Ring, or most other wearable devices that measure heart rate."
From University of California San Francisco - Osher Center for Integrative Medicine
“The purpose of this study [Tempredict] is to collect information from a wearable sensor that may allow researchers to develop an algorithm that can predict the onset of symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue, which can characterize COVID-19."
“The study uses an Oura Ring which is a wearable device that measures heart rate, inter-beat interval and changes in dermal temperature and is associated with a smartphone app.
Dr. Ashley Mason (project leader) said “[the virus is] expected back in the fall and we need to have tools ready”
Ben Smarr, Ph.D. (a project researcher) said, "When you have time-series data, so temperature every minute instead of once a day that turns it from biomarker into a signal. We can begin to reimagine how healthcare works."
From the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI)
"The RNI platform uses the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute app, the Oura Ring, and artificial intelligence guided models to forecast and predict the onset of COVID-19 related symptoms (e.g. fevers, coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and others) three days in advance with over 90 percent accuracy.
"This technology can potentially serve as a critical decision making tool to help contain the spread of the virus, safely re-open communities, strengthen the economy, and facilitate public health containment strategies."
Dr. Ali Rezai (executive chair of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute) said, “We feel this platform will be integral to protecting our healthcare workers, first responders, and communities as we adjust to life in the COVID-19 era.”
From Scripps Research - DETECT Health Study
“Our goal is to identify areas with viral outbreaks quickly. We hope that an early warning might someday give public health officials more time to take action, and for you to take better care of yourself and your loved ones.
“We also hope to develop more individualized approaches to health care. Instead of comparing your heart rate (or other vital signs) to the “average,” we would like to learn what’s normal for you. Eventually, that might help us to better predict when you’re getting sick.”
Note: The project uses the MyDataHelps application— available on in Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
OUR TAKE
While these early stage efforts require review and validation, the processes and frameworks being developed should be useful in dealing with other infectious diseases, as well as a potential second wave of COVID-19.
The increased use of smart devices should lead to healthcare services that are 1) more personalized, 2) more virtual and 3) more prevention-focused.
As healthcare innovation becomes more data driven, medical practitioners will become more multi-disciplinary while addressing increased privacy concerns.