Researchers have developed a connected watch for athletes capable of monitoring the body’s response to effort to improve performance.
From dehydration to recovery, this 2.0 connected watch accompanies the athlete. It tests in near real time its metabolites, markers that can be used to assess an individual’s metabolism. If the metabolite levels fluctuate too much, it indicates that something is wrong. For athletes, it helps tailor training efforts to improve physical performance.
Four bulky devices in one watch
To conduct their study, the results of which were published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronicss, the American researchers tested the sweat of the participants and monitored glucose, lactic acid, pH and temperature using a strip, located on the back of the device, integrated with chemical sensors. The sensor data is analyzed by the hardware inside the device which records it and transmits it to the user’s smartphone or smartwatch.
“The device is the size of an average watch but contains analytical equipment equivalent to four bulky electrochemical devices that are currently used to measure metabolite levels in the laboratory,” says Michael Daniele, co-author of the study. We’ve created something really portable so it can be used in the field.”
A technology soon to be marketed
This technology could reduce casualties in military or athletic training by spotting health issues before they become critical. “It could also improve training by allowing users to track their performance over time,” adds Michael Daniele. To go further, the researchers are currently conducting a study to test the technology in conditions other than sport. “We want to confirm that it can provide continuous monitoring when used for an extended period”, justifies the researcher.
For the moment, this technology is not yet available on the market but the researchers announce that they are looking for partners in order to market it. “While it’s hard to estimate what the device might cost consumers, it only costs tens of dollars to manufacture and the strips, which can last at least a day, shouldn’t be terribly expensive,” concludes Michael Daniele.
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