5 Innovative Wearables and their Potential for Clinical Trials
Published: 01/01/2022
Wearables are revolutionizing more and more clinical trials. Digital technologies go far beyond smartwatches and fitness trackers. Modern medical devices enable more precise data collection, improve the service for patients and make it easier to conduct studies. These five wearables could permanently change the way clinical research is conducted.
What are wearables in clinical trials?
Wearables are small, body-worn medical devices that use electrodes and sensors to continuously collect health data. They measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen or body temperature and thus enable long-term monitoring of patient health. They offer numerous advantages, particularly in clinical trials:
- Automated and precise data collection without manual input
- Continuous monitoring of study participants in real time
- Improved patient retention and lower drop-out rates
- More efficient data analysis for more meaningful research results
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Smart Ring - discreet data collection for clinical studies
The Smart Ring is an inconspicuous but powerful wearable that facilitates clinical trials. Placed on just one finger, directly on the arteries, it measures the wearer's heart rate and body temperature. At the same time, the device monitors movement patterns during the day and sleep activity at night.
Long-term measurements for more precise study evaluation
Thanks to its long battery life, the smart ring can be worn around the clock. This allows long-term changes in health values such as body temperature to be reliably documented - a major advantage for studies that rely on long-term data. This wearable enables a more precise analysis of disease progression, particularly in the case of chronic diseases.
In-ear sensor - health monitoring directly in the ear
Another innovative wearable is the in-ear sensor, which looks like a pair of wireless headphones or a hearing aid. This small and comfortable device measures various medical data, including:
- Heart rate
- Body temperature
- Blood oxygen saturation
- Respiratory rhythm
A new service for telemedicine and decentralized clinical trials
The in-ear sensor offers continuous long-term monitoring and can be used for remote monitoring in clinical trials. It serves as a helpful tool in telemedicine, as patients can measure their vital signs before a virtual visit. This allows medical examinations to be carried out more efficiently without having to visit a clinic.
Preventive health monitoring thanks to intelligent insoles
The intelligent insole is a gadget that has so far mainly been used by competitive athletes, but is also useful for medical care. They are equipped with highly sensitive sensors and can
- Measure pressure changes in the foot
- Monitor body temperature
- Analyze movement sequences
Used in clinical research into diabetes and circulatory disorders
These wearables are particularly valuable for clinical trials dealing with diabetes or vascular diseases. Continuous monitoring helps to detect circulatory disorders and nascent inflammation in the foot at an early stage and treat them in a targeted manner. This can significantly improve patients' quality of life and help prevent complications.
Smart contact lenses - blood glucose monitoring of the future
Probably the smallest wearable on this list is one of the most promising gadgets in modern medical research. Scientists at Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea1 are currently researching a smart contact lens with integrated biosensors on the edge that use a hydrogel to measure blood glucose levels in the tear fluid. When they react with sugar, they change their conductivity, which is evaluated and transmitted by microchips.
Traditional blood glucose measurements are time-consuming and inconvenient for many patients, as they require regular blood samples. Smart contact lenses could offer an innovative and non-invasive alternative in clinical trials. They enable continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels without patients having to prick themselves repeatedly.
However, experts are still debating the possible applications of the contact lens, as it takes up to an hour before the blood glucose level in the tear fluid is detected. This means that the contact lens does not replace the regular measurements of patients who require insulin. However, it would be suitable for long-term monitoring of blood glucose levels in clinical trials.
Dispensing medication via contact lens
In addition to measuring blood sugar levels, these wearables could also serve as a medication delivery system in the future. In clinical trials for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy or other retinal diseases, smart contact lenses could deliver active ingredients to the eye in a targeted manner. This would make the treatment of eye diseases more efficient and comfortable, and at the same time open up new opportunities for clinical research.
How a plaster prevents asthma attacks
The smart plaster is an all-rounder among medical wearables. This small, inconspicuous device can be fitted with several sensors and continuously records important health data. Usually attached to the patient's chest or arm, it measures a variety of vital signs:
- Body temperature
- Movement
- Sleep activity
- Heart rate
- Blood oxygen
- Breathing pattern
Early detection of asthma attacks through smart sensor technology
Asthma attacks often occur suddenly and are usually only noticed by patients when symptoms such as coughing or breathlessness are already severe, which can be very dangerous. Medication and measures against the triggers are also less effective at this point. This is where an intelligent patch could play a decisive role:
By continuously analyzing breathing patterns, the patch detects changes that indicate an impending seizure at an early stage - even before the patient themselves notices symptoms. Via a connected app, the device sends an alert message to the patient and the responsible healthcare professional or study doctor.
Better treatment strategies in clinical trials
This innovative wearable could provide valuable data, particularly in clinical trials on asthma treatment. By detecting an attack at an early stage, preventative medication can be administered, which is demonstrably more effective than treatment in an acute state. This not only protects the health of those affected, but also significantly improves their quality of life.
Wearables in clinical trials - a look into the future
The integration of wearables into clinical research opens up entirely new possibilities in medical research. The advantages are obvious:
- More accurate and comprehensive health data for meaningful study results
- Improved patient loyalty through simple and convenient use
- Increased efficiency, as many measurements are taken automatically
- Optimized service for patients through personalized health monitoring
The digital future of clinical trials is being shaped by innovative wearables. Through continuous measurements and ease of use, these devices help to improve the quality and efficiency of research - and thus drive the development of new therapies and medications.