A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that an Apple Watch can effectively predict a positive COVID-19 diagnosis up to one week before current PCR-based nasal swab tests (by TechCrunch).
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Published in peer review Journal of Medical Internet Research, “Warrior Watch Study” involved several hundred health workers in Mount Sinai using an application dedicated to Apple Watch and iPhone for monitoring and collecting personal health data.
All participants were also required to complete a daily survey over several months to provide direct feedback on potential coronavirus symptoms and other factors, including stress.
Data collection took place from April to September, and the main focus for the researchers was heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of nervous system stress. This data point was combined with the reported symptoms associated with the disease, such as fever, pain, dry cough and loss of taste and smell.
The Warrior Watch study was not only able to predict infections up to a week before tests provide confirmed diagnoses, but also found that participants’ HRV patterns normalized fairly quickly after diagnosis, returning to normal at about a week or two after their positive tests.
The researchers hope the results can help anticipate the results and remotely isolate individuals from others who are at risk, without the need to perform a physical exam or run a tampon test, preventing potential spread before someone is extremely contagious.
Conformable TechCrunchThe study will be expanded in the future to examine what other wearable articles may reveal about the impact of COVID-19 on the health of health workers, including how things such as sleep and physical activity may be related to the disease.
In ongoing research, Apple is currently working with Seattle Flu Study investigators and faculty at the University of Washington School of Medicine to explore how changes in blood oxygen and heart rate may be early signs of the onset of influenza and COVID- 19.
Previous independent Apple Watch studies have shown that smartwatch heart sensors can detect early signs of diabetes and provide early warning signs of atrial fibrillation.