Common wearable devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits can detect signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares up to seven weeks before symptoms appear, potentially transforming how patients manage their condition.
This new research suggests that wearable devices might offer a far more convenient way to track disease activity. The IBD Forecast Study engaged 309 participants who wore either an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Oura Ring while answering daily surveys about their symptoms. Researchers collected various physiological measurements, including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), daily steps, and blood oxygen levels. These metrics provide valuable insights into the body’s autonomic nervous system, which shows significant changes during IBD flares.
The devices can differentiate between true inflammatory flares and symptom-only flares by detecting subtle changes in heart rate patterns and other physiological measurements, helping healthcare providers make more informed treatment decisions.
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