Unlocking Health: The Life-Saving Potential of Smartwatches Explored by KTU Researcher

“In contemporary times, smartwatches have evolved into more than mere fitness tracking gadgets – they now serve as personal health advisors,” states Prof. Vaidotas Marozas, head of the Biomedical Engineering Institute at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU BMII).

His team, collaborating with researchers from other Lithuanian institutions, has developed a prototype for a smartwatch, currently recognized as the TeltoHeart multifunctional smart wristband system, produced by the Lithuanian firm Teltonika.

Prof. Marozas anticipates that the smartwatch industry will surpass USD 100 billion by 2032. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook mentioned that wearables, rather than phones or electric vehicles, will be the centerpiece of Apple’s innovation. This shift is associated with generational transitions, technological awareness, cultural perspectives on innovation, economic growth, and a heightened public interest in health.

One condition that necessitates monitoring is irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). The researcher points out that recent Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosing and managing AF, published in Circulation, mention wearable devices as many as 10 times. Medical professionals involved in drafting these guidelines acknowledged that advancements in monitoring and detecting arrhythmias may warrant the consideration of eliminating the term “clinical AF” entirely.

“In upcoming times, it is anticipated that wearable devices will be utilized not just for early detection and alerts, but also for evaluating treatment effectiveness. Major global research studies indicate that wearable devices possess a 92-97 percent accuracy in identifying arrhythmias. Early identification and intervention can potentially reduce stroke risk by up to 70 percent,” he remarks.

Prof. Marozas indicates that several nations are already taking proactive measures to weave digital health monitoring into their healthcare frameworks. For instance, in Germany, the digital health device initiative DiGA (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen) is rapidly progressing. This program certifies devices and applications for diagnosing, supervising, or treating various illnesses or disabilities.

“Patients can acquire these devices with a physician’s prescription, and the expenses are reimbursed by insurance entities. According to recent reports, a similar initiative is in progress in France. These programs reflect the increasing belief in the capacity of smart technologies to enhance healthcare and the quality of life for individuals,” he adds.

The researcher clarifies that the primary health metrics that smartwatches can track include physical activity (counted in steps), heart rate (measured in beats per minute), blood oxygen saturation (expressed in percentage), and sleep quality (comprising sleep duration as well as REM, light, and deep sleep stages).

“Smartwatches enable detailed analysis that assists in recognizing potential health issues. For instance, the heart rate monitoring feature can help identify arrhythmias and other cardiac rhythm irregularities. Evaluating sleep quality can aid in detecting sleep apnea or other sleep disorders,” he states.

Conversely, smartwatches can offer critical insights into metabolic disorders such as weight issues or diabetes by assessing physical activity and caloric consumption.

Beyond monitoring physical activity, smartwatches evaluate the user’s emotional and mental health. For example, certain devices have the capacity to assess psychophysiological stress levels by monitoring the rate of breathing and the balance of the autonomic nervous system. This allows them to identify heightened stress levels and implement timely measures to alleviate tension, such as deep and slow breathing exercises.

Marozas notes that there are already commercial wearables capable of assessing body composition (including fat, fluid, and muscle mass), stress levels, blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and sleep apnea (temporary halts in breathing during sleep): “The variety of functionalities is increasing as this is a very vibrant area of research. For example, investigations are underway in Lithuania and the Netherlands regarding the utilization of smartwatches to identify and prompt patients to seek immediate medical care if myocardial infarction is suspected.”

The most advantageous functions of smartwatches hinge on the user’s needs, he mentions. These may comprise tracking physical activity, cardiac arrhythmias, vascular stiffness, or women’s menstrual cycles: “For instance, presently in Lithuania, if one suspects that their breathing halts intermittently at night, they might wait up to three years for an evaluation at a clinic. The latest wearable technology can not only alert on suspected apnea but also gauge its severity index.”

As per the researcher, numerous elderly individuals grapple with chronic ailments, particularly neurodegenerative

Smartwatches equipped to monitor an individual’s location, possess a help button, and enable two-way communication are especially advantageous if your family member is suffering from Alzheimer’s or severe dementia.

“This is supported by personal experience: a close family member exhibiting signs of dementia found it difficult to manage with a mobile phone and had to call emergency services multiple times due to instances of wandering off and subsequent searches. Presently, this family member consistently wears a smartwatch featuring GPS, cellular connectivity, and vital signs monitoring functionalities. This ensures we always know their whereabouts, keep track of their vital signs, and if they become disoriented, we can reach out and, if needed, assist them in returning home,” explains Marozas.

Marozas emphasizes that making healthy lifestyle choices and mitigating risk factors is the optimal approach to preventing dementia. This encompasses engaging in physical exercise, adhering to a nutritious diet, managing blood pressure and weight, stress reduction, and guaranteeing quality sleep. Aging elevates the risk of sleep disturbances such as sleep apnoea, along with an increased likelihood of cardiovascular ailments, particularly arrhythmias and high blood pressure. Current technological advancements already permit the monitoring of these metrics.

“Senior parents can benefit from utilizing smart devices, receiving active assistance in adapting to new health monitoring technologies, and having their health data remotely observed and discussed – similar to how they once reviewed their children’s report cards,” states Marozas.

The researcher notes that the precision of smart devices and the dependability of the monitored parameters are crucial for making health-based choices. “In 2015, as part of an international initiative, we researched the precision of smart devices. We assessed their ability to measure physical activity, body composition, and blood pressure, discovering a considerable variation in accuracy. Some step-tracking devices reported 48 percent more steps, while others recorded 32 percent fewer steps,” he recounts.

Certain blood pressure monitors consistently indicated 4 mmHg too high for systolic blood pressure, while others were 7 mmHg too low. Caloric expenditure monitoring proved the most challenging, as even the most precise devices demonstrated an error margin of up to 30 percent.

Prof. Marozas highlights that the landscape has transformed, with notable advancements in equipment. For instance, steps will no longer be recorded while traversing a bumpy road. Additionally, pulse monitoring during periods of rest and sleep has become more accurate.

New criteria have been established for blood pressure and oxygenation monitoring, requiring device manufacturers to undergo clinical validation and certification to offer devices equipped with blood oxygenation, electrocardiograms, and cardiac arrhythmia monitoring capabilities. “In Europe, these functions are classified as Class IIa medical devices that can be trusted by patients and healthcare professionals. Regrettably, standards for monitoring stress, pain, and sleep quality are yet to be developed, leading to a potential range of outcomes across different devices,” he adds.

The KTU professor indicates that one of the most significant technological advancements is the creation of novel sensors and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as the analysis of sweat, along with long-term monitoring of body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels.

“Innovative methods for analyzing long-term data will enable us to provide digital biomarkers that can, for example, assist in identifying specific arrhythmia triggers or customize medications for hypertension treatment. Though these features are still under development, their possibilities are undeniable, particularly for patients with chronic conditions,” he observes.

There is a pronounced emphasis on utilizing artificial intelligence: algorithms can interpret the gathered data, identify health irregularities, and highlight potential risk factors. This not only facilitates continuous health monitoring but also fosters proactive disease prevention, underscoring the importance of preventive medicine.

“Looking ahead, smartwatches could serve as a vital connection between patients and healthcare providers, enabling the remote observation of a patient’s condition, their treatment response, and swift action regarding potential health issues. Moreover, the fusion of smartwatches and genetic data could yield even more precise personalized health recommendations,” Professor Marozas asserts.

This integration of technology and medicine is poised to greatly enhance both individual and public health, according to him. Wearable devices will be capable of including currently underrepresented groups such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those suffering from rare chronic or genetic conditions.

Professor Marozas recommends considering your requirements when selecting a smartwatch. He points out several key aspects to ponder. Firstly, assess what health monitoring features the watch provides. The greater the number of functionalities, the more benefits they can offer, but evaluating their accuracy and trustworthiness is also crucial.

“Another vital factor is the battery longevity, which is influenced by usage intensity and the watch’s features. Extended battery life allows the device to operate without frequent recharging, which is particularly beneficial for daily application. It’s also essential to consider how the watch integrates with mobile phones and other technologies, such as smart scales, to effectively monitor and analyze the collected data,” he notes.

Lastly, consider whether your smartwatch has notification and reminder functions. These features assist in maintaining your health and motivate you to reach your health objectives. Smart devices can alert you to significant changes in health metrics, prompting timely actions.

“Apple and Samsung watches boast the most functionalities, albeit with shorter battery life. One potential solution is to recharge your device every morning, perhaps during your morning shower,” Marozas, Director of the KTU Biomedical Engineering Institute, suggests.

He notes that Garmin and Polar devices cater to athletes and sportspersons seeking to optimize their performance. In contrast, Fitbit and Withings prioritize health monitoring features and longer battery life; for instance, Withings devices can operate for up to 30 days on a single charge.

“However, while these devices can provide numerous valuable insights and assist in early identification of health issues, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is imperative that individuals utilize smartwatches as a supplementary tool rather than a conclusive solution for health diagnosis,” the researcher emphasizes.