Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern, responsible for 3.5 million deaths in 2021 and roughly 5% of all global deaths. In the U.S., it is the third leading cause of hospital readmissions as of 2023. While COPD cannot be cured, effective symptom monitoring and treatment are crucial for managing the disease. In a breakthrough study published in eBioMedicine-Lancet by McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), researchers demonstrate how wearable technology for COPD can track symptoms and detect exacerbations early, enabling timely interventions for those with COPD.
How Wearable Technology for COPD Tracks Symptoms
In the study, 21 patients experiencing COPD exacerbations wore two types of wearable technology for COPD: a wristband and a smart ring. For 21 days, the wearable devices collected continuous physiological data, including:
- Heart rate
- Respiratory rate
- Oxygen saturation (SpO2)
- Sleep efficiency
- Activity levels
The research team analyzed the metrics alongside patients’ daily symptom scores to map the progression and recovery of exacerbations. The study showed key physiological patterns that distinguished patients who recovered from those with persistent symptoms:
- Recovered Group (10 participants): Improvements in heart rate, respiratory rate, physical activity, and oxygen saturation were observed. These patients also experienced improved sleep quality, signaling recovery.
- Persistent Worsening Group (11 participants): These patients showed prolonged abnormalities in heart and respiratory rates, poor sleep efficiency, and reduced activity levels. Autonomic markers like heart rate variability and skin temperature were also impaired.
Dr. Bryan Ross, who led the study, emphasized, “Wearable technology gives us unprecedented insights into how the lungs, heart, and nervous system respond during COPD exacerbations. This knowledge can lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes.”
What This Means for Wearable Technology in COPD Management
The research demonstrated that wearable technology for COPD can continuously monitor respiratory, cardiac, and autonomic system changes in real-world settings. This approach allows for early detection of deteriorating symptoms, potentially preventing hospitalizations.
Notably, the researchers highlighted that wearables are more comfortable and convenient than traditional bulky monitoring devices, making them ideal for long-term use in remote patient monitoring programs.
Consumer Wearables
The MUHC study utilized specific wearable devices, but the researchers did not name the ring or wristband used in their work. While these devices remain unspecified, here are some examples of consumer-grade wearable COPD technology currently available in the market:
Rings
- The Vital Health Ring: Tracks heart rate, SpO2, and sleep quality.
- Oura Ring: Monitors sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and activity levels.
- The Happy Ring: Tracks sleep, blood oxygen, heart rate, temperature, and brain activity.
Wristbands
- Tenovi Smart Watch: Integrates with RPM platforms, complementing RPM programs to provide real-time tracking of heart rate, activity, and sleep.
- Fitbit Charge 6: Tracks activity, heart rate, skin temperature, and SpO2, delivering detailed health data.
- Garmin Vivosmart 5: Monitors activity trends, ideal for long-term tracking.
It’s important to note that none of these devices were used or endorsed in the MUHC study. However, they demonstrate the growing availability of wearables designed for non-invasive, continuous monitoring of physiological metrics.
The Future of Wearable Technology for COPD
The findings from this study mark a step forward in how wearable technology for COPD can aid in COPD care delivery. By continuously monitoring physiological markers, healthcare providers can identify exacerbations early, tailor interventions, and reduce hospital admissions.
Tenovi remains committed to providing cutting-edge remote monitoring solutions, including our cellular Gateway and over 40 integrated remote patient and therapeutic monitoring devices like the Tenovi Smart Watch. Together, we can empower healthcare providers and improve outcomes for patients managing chronic diseases like COPD.
Stay tuned for more weekly research updates as Tenovi continues to explore innovative ways to enhance patient care.
