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Reliability and Safety of Smartwatch Blood Pressure and Oxygen Saturation Measurements in Older Adults: Instrument
Ricardo Madeira1,2,3, Dulce Esteves1,3, Henrique Neiva1,3
1Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, R do Bairro da Nossa Sra da Conceição 22, Covilhã, 6201-001, Portugal, 351 962076801.
Background:
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality, with its prevalence increasing due to population aging and lifestyle factors. Accurate measurement of blood pressure (BP) and arterial oxygen saturation is crucial for disease prevention and monitoring, and wearable devices have emerged as a promising alternative. However, their clinical reliability requires validation, particularly in older populations.
Objective:
The aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the measurement of BP and arterial oxygen saturation in older people using a smartwatch in comparison with reference devices.
Methods:
We recruited 50 participants aged between 50 and 89 years (mean 70.60, SD 12.03 y), including 34 female participants and 16 male participants. A total of 3 BP measurements were taken simultaneously using the smartwatch and an ambulatory BP monitoring device (reference device). Arterial oxygen saturation was measured simultaneously using the smartwatch and the oximeter. The paired-sample t test (2-tailed) was used to compare variables, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to verify the correlation.
Results:
When averaged values were considered, no significant differences were observed between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the reference device for systolic BP (P=.31) or diastolic BP (P=.88), with good agreement for both parameters (systolic BP ICC=0.88; diastolic BP ICC=0.88). Arterial oxygen saturation showed no significant difference between devices (P=.10), with moderate agreement (ICC=0.68). Heart rate measurements also showed no significant differences between devices (P=.54), demonstrating good agreement.
Conclusions:
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 demonstrated acceptable agreement with reference devices for BP and arterial oxygen saturation measurements in older adults without decompensated clinical conditions, evaluated under controlled resting conditions. These findings indicate that the device provides reliable measurements within this specific population and context when measurements are obtained under standardized and physiologically stable conditions.
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