Scientists from Switzerland's Empa research institute have developed a self-moistening heart rate-monitoring chest strap that is designed for use in situations where electrocardiograms or ECGs need to be recorded over a period of several days. The problem with existing heart rate monitors is that they need to be moistened with gel once a day in order for the skin's electrical signals to be properly conducted. This strap gets rid of that problem.
Empa's strap is equipped with a reservoir that wicks a steady supply of water to a wetting element that sits between the wearer's skin and the contraption's electrodes. The device is designed to prevent skin irritation and keep crucial nanoparticles from being released.
While the technology is still in prototype form, it has shown a lot of promise and looks set to become a superior alternative to existing heart rate-monitoring devices.
Heart-Monitoring Chest Straps
Empa's Heart Rate-Monitoring Strap Stays Moistened On Its Own
Trend Themes
1. Self-moistening Healthcare Devices - Developing self-moistening mechanisms for healthcare devices presents an opportunity for companies to improve patient comfort and compliance.
2. Continuous Monitoring Technologies - Investing in continuous monitoring technologies can help healthcare providers gather more accurate data for diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
3. Nanoparticle-resistant Wearables - Advancements in nanoparticle-resistant materials for wearables can help improve user safety and reduce environmental impact.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - Self-moistening healthcare devices can greatly benefit the healthcare industry, particularly in remote health monitoring and telehealth services.
2. Fitness Tracking - The use of self-moistening chest straps and continuous monitoring technologies can help improve accuracy and user experience in the fitness tracking industry.
3. Environmental Technology - Developing nanoparticle-resistant wearables creates opportunities for the environmental technology industry to reduce waste and improve sustainability in electronics manufacturing.