Jan 16, 2021 20:00:00

The latest research result that 'It is possible to predict that Apple Watch was infected with the new coronavirus before symptoms appear'

By using a smartwatch or wearable device that can measure

biomarkers such as the wearer's heart rate and skin temperature, it is possible to detect the infection before the symptoms of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) appear. The latest research shows that is possible.

Smartwatches can help detect COVID-19 days before symptoms appear
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-symptoms-smart-watch/

Studies by major medical and academic institutions, including the New York City hospital network Mount Sinai Health System , show that using smartwatches from brands such as the Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit can be used for PCR testing on COVID-19. It has become clear that it is possible to predict infection before it is judged whether it is positive or not. 'Wearable devices can play an important role in stopping pandemics and other infectious diseases,' said the researchers involved in the study.

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System noticed that the Apple Watch can detect subtle changes in an individual's heart rate, and by using this highly accurate heart rate monitoring function, 'up to 7 days before the PCR test is positive. Can detect that the wearer is infected with COVID-19. ' Specifically, we will analyze the volatility of the heart rate as a measurement standard. This variability in heart rate is an indicator of how well a person's immune system is functioning.

'Our goal was to use tools to identify infections at the time of infection or before people realize they are ill,' said Rob Hilten, an assistant professor of medicine

at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. It was already known that heart rate variability markers change when inflammation occurs in the body. COVID-19 is a very inflammatory condition, that is, before people know that they are infected with COVID-19. It makes it possible to predict the fact of infection. '

Studies show that infection with COVID-19 results in very little fluctuation in heart rate in contrast to uninfected people. In other words, there is almost no change in time between heartbeats. 'High heart rate variability' does not mean an increase in heart rate, but indicates that the individual's nervous system is active, adaptable, and resilient to stress. It is said that it is.

The study conducted a follow-up study of approximately 300 subjects wearing Apple Watch over a five-month period from April 29 to September 29, 2020. The subjects were medical professionals working at Mount Sinai Health System.

Hilten said, 'For now, we rely on the individual feeling that we are sick and feel sick, but if we wear an Apple Watch, the user does not have to enter anything and COVID even if it is asymptomatic. -19 can be identified. This is a great way to better manage infections. '

Another study, conducted by researchers at Stanford University, used a variety of activity trackers from manufacturers such as Fitbit and Garmin in addition to the Apple Watch to investigate people who tested positive for COVID-19 on PCR. I am. The study found that 81% of subjects had changes in their resting heart rate up to nine and a half days before the PCR test tested positive. According to the research team, 'extremely high heart rate' is a sign of the onset of symptoms.

In yet

another study , using data collected on smartwatches, we succeeded in identifying people with COVID-19 4-7 days before symptoms with a 66% chance of being infected. I have. The study leverages data collected from more than 5,000 subjects, of which 32 are tested positive for COVID-19.

Professor Michael Snyder of Stanford University, who led the study, has created a system that alerts the wearer if the heart rate rises for more than a certain period of time. 'Regular fluctuations do not trigger alarms, only significant and persistent changes,' says Professor Snyder.

Professor Snyder argues that this type of technology helps to make up for the shortcomings that exist in testing for new coronaviruses: 'Testing for new coronaviruses is not something that can always be done, but smartwatches. Can measure the wearer's biomarkers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. '

Wearable device makers are considering leveraging these technologies, and Oura Ring developer Oura Health is working with a research team at the University of California, San Diego to develop a system for early detection of COVID-19. We are working on development.

To produce a sleep tracking device Whoop has partnered with Central Queensland University of Australia, it helps to predict whether or not infected with the new coronavirus based on the respiration rate deviation of the user during sleep at night research I am publishing a paper .

'All of these studies are based on biomarkers that can be collected by smartwatches, and the advantage is that they can collect data and detect symptoms in a non-invasive manner,' said Hilten. And appeal the usefulness of fighting COVID-19.