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. 2021 Jan;15(1):34-43.
doi: 10.1177/1932296820904947. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Noninvasive Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs With Wearables: Fit for Medical Use?

Malte Jacobsen  1 , Till A Dembek  2 , Guido Kobbe  3 , Peter W Gaidzik  4 , Lutz Heinemann  5
Affiliations

Noninvasive Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs With Wearables: Fit for Medical Use?

Malte Jacobsen et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Wearables (= wearable computer) enable continuous and noninvasive monitoring of a range of vital signs. Mobile and cost-effective devices, combined with powerful data analysis tools, open new dimensions in assessing body functions ("digital biomarkers").

Methods: To answer the question whether wearables are ready for use in the medical context, a PubMed literature search and analysis for their clinical-scientific use using publications from the years 2008 to 2018 was performed.

Results: A total of 79 out of 314 search hits were publications on clinical trials with wearables, of which 16 were randomized controlled trials. Motion sensors were most frequently used to measure defined movements, movement disorders, or general physical activity. Approximately 20% of the studies used sensors to detect cardiovascular parameters. As for the sensor location, the wrist was chosen in most studies (22.8%).

Conclusion: Wearables can be used in a precisely defined medical context, when taking into account complex influencing factors.

Keywords: clinical trials; digital biomarkers; noninvasive; vital signs; wearables.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Noninvasive continuous measurement of vital parameters with wearables. Steps from the signals to the analysis and interpretation of the measured values. PPG, photoplethysmography. Source: Graphs from www.visionom.de.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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