Developing a multimodal biosensor for remote physiological monitoring

IntroductionSeveral UK military expeditions have successfully used physiological sensors to monitor participant’s physiological responses to challenging environmental conditions. This article describes the development and trial of a multimodal wearable biosensor that was used during the first all-fe...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ military health 2023-04, Vol.169 (2), p.170-175
Main Authors: Smith, Michael, Withnall, R, Anastasova, S, Gil-Rosa, B, Blackadder-Coward, J, Taylor, N
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Antarctic Regions
Automation
Biosensing Techniques
Biosensors
biotechnology & bioinformatics
Body Temperature
Communication
Design specifications
Expeditions
Female
Glucose
Human performance
Humans
Laboratories
Monitoring, Physiologic
Original Research
Physical fitness
Physiology
primary care
Sensors
Skin
Sodium
Telemedicine
Wearable Electronic Devices
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:IntroductionSeveral UK military expeditions have successfully used physiological sensors to monitor participant’s physiological responses to challenging environmental conditions. This article describes the development and trial of a multimodal wearable biosensor that was used during the first all-female unassisted ski crossing of the Antarctic land mass. The project successfully transmitted remote real-time physiological data back to the UK. The ergonomic and technical lessons identified have informed recommendations for future wearable devices.MethodThe biosensor devices were designed to be continuously worn against the skin and capture: HR, ECG, body surface temperature, bioimpedance, perspiration pH, sodium, lactate and glucose. The data were transmitted from the devices to an android smartphone using near-field technology. A custom-built App running on an android smartphone managed the secure transmission of the data to a UK research centre, using a commercially available satellite transceiver.ResultsReal-time physiological data, captured by the multimodal device, was successfully transmitted back to a UK research control centre on 6 occasions. Postexpedition feedback from the participants has contributed to the ergonomic and technical refinement of the next generation of devices.ConclusionThe future success of wearable technologies lies in establishing clinical confidence in the quality of the measured data and the accurate interpretation of those data in the context of the individual, the environment and activity being undertaken. In the near future, wearable physiological monitoring could improve point-of-care diagnostic accuracy and inform critical medical and command decisions.
ISSN:2633-3767
2633-3775
DOI:10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001629