A groundbreaking wearable sensor has been developed to help individuals avoid dehydration by alerting them when their bodies require more water. Created by researchers at the University of Texas, this non-invasive device continuously monitors hydration levels in real-time and wirelessly transmits the data to a smartphone.
According to Professor Nanshu Lu of the University of Texas at Austin, dehydration is a common but often overlooked health threat that impacts millions of people daily. The wearable sensor offers a simple and effective way to monitor hydration levels, empowering individuals to proactively maintain their health and peak performance.
Utilizing a method called bioimpedance, the sensor sends a safe electrical current through the body via strategically placed electrodes. This current’s flow is dependent on tissue hydration levels – hydrated tissue allows the current to pass easily, while dehydrated tissue resists the flow.
The sensor has shown to be sensitive to hydration changes and closely aligns with whole-body hydration measurements. This makes it a reliable tool for tracking hydration levels during various activities like walking, working, or exercising.
To validate the device, researchers conducted multiple experiments including a diuretic-induced dehydration study and a 24-hour real-life trial. Participants’ hydration levels were monitored via the wearable sensor and compared to urine samples, showing a strong correlation between changes in arm bioimpedance and total body water loss.
This innovative sensor offers a convenient and wearable alternative to traditional hydration tracking methods like urine or blood analysis, which can be invasive, time-consuming, and impractical. It can be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic dehydration, kidney disease, heart conditions, and athletes aiming to perform optimally, especially in hot weather.
While the current model tracks relative hydration changes, the research team aims to develop reference data for absolute hydration levels. They are also exploring more advanced wearable formats like breathable electronic tattoos or sweat-absorbing patches to enhance comfort during long-term use.
“This is just the beginning,” Professor Lu stated, emphasizing the team’s goal to make hydration monitoring easily accessible to everyone.
