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

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Health
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Wearable computers provide continuous, noninvasive vital sign monitoring.
• Mobile, cost-effective devices and data analysis enable new digital biomarker assessments.
• Wearables are transforming the assessment of bodily functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the readiness of wearable technology for medical applications.
• To analyze the clinical-scientific use of wearables based on existing literature.

Main Methods:

• A PubMed literature search was conducted for publications from 2008 to 2018.
• Analysis focused on clinical trials and randomized controlled trials involving wearables.
• Data extracted included sensor types, measured parameters, and sensor location.

Main Results:

• 79 of 314 publications detailed clinical trials with wearables; 16 were randomized controlled trials.
• Motion sensors were most common, measuring movement and physical activity.
• Cardiovascular parameters were assessed in approximately 20% of studies, with wrist-based sensors being most frequent.

Conclusions:

• Wearables are suitable for specific medical contexts.
• Effective use requires careful consideration of complex influencing factors.
• Further research may refine wearable applications in healthcare.