New Delhi: Wearable devices such as smartwatches could be crucial in identifying early signs of diseases, including COVID-19, heart conditions, and falls, according to a recent study. Researchers from the University of South Australia reviewed 28 studies involving over 1.2 million participants and discovered that these devices could accurately identify COVID-19 status in 88 out of 100 individuals, a performance comparable to rapid screening tests.
The study also highlighted that wearable devices could detect atrial fibrillation—an irregular and rapid heart rate—in 87 out of 100 people. Falls were identified with an 82% accuracy rate using these activity trackers. The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research mHealth and uHealth, underscore the growing utility of wearables beyond fitness tracking.
Originally designed to monitor physical activity and exercise, modern wearable technology now also measures blood pressure, heart rate, sleep quality, skin temperature, and stress levels. According to lead researcher Ben Singh, these devices show considerable promise in detecting health issues like COVID-19 and heart conditions in everyday settings, potentially enhancing personal health monitoring.
While previous studies primarily focused on COVID-19 detection, the research noted a significant gap in studies related to cardiac conditions and falls. The wearable devices demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting atrial fibrillation, indicating that they could be as effective as clinical tests in some cases.
Sensitivity and specificity are metrics used to evaluate the accuracy of medical devices, reflecting how often they correctly identify or miss a condition. The study’s results were particularly promising for detecting atrial fibrillation, with wearable devices showing figures that favorably compare to other clinical tests.
Singh emphasized that wearable trackers not only enable proactive health management but also facilitate real-time detection of health issues. This allows users to respond swiftly to potential concerns, potentially preventing serious health problems before they escalate.
The research highlights the evolving role of wearable technology in health monitoring, suggesting that these devices could become integral tools in early disease detection and personal health management.