Key Points:
- Researchers in the UK are exploring the use of Garmin smartwatches and companion apps for medical monitoring.
- The project aims to shorten the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) to one minute and enable remote testing from home.
- Patients wear Garmin Venu 2 smartwatches connected to a dedicated clinical trial platform for outdoor walks.
- Initial results indicate comparable outcomes between the one-minute and traditional six-minute tests.
In the pursuit of streamlining medical procedures and enhancing patient convenience, researchers in the UK have embarked on a pioneering project exploring the integration of Garmin Venu 2 smartwatches and a dedicated companion app into clinical settings. The project aims to revolutionize the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) — a vital diagnostic tool for cardiovascular conditions, led by Dr. Joseph Newman and Lucy Robertson from the Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.
The 6MWT traditionally involves patients walking on a flat surface for six minutes to assess heart and lung function. However, the test’s duration and the inconvenience of hospital visits prompted researchers to seek alternatives. By leveraging wearable technology, specifically Garmin smartwatches, the team aimed to shorten the test duration to one minute and enable patients to perform it remotely from home.
Patients participating in the study were provided with Garmin Venu 2 smartwatches connected to a secure clinical trial platform developed by Aparito. They were instructed to walk outdoors for one minute at their natural pace while wearing the device. Garmin’s choice was attributed to its reliable sensors, accessibility to raw data, and algorithmically derived variables. Additionally, Garmin’s health research division and user-friendly software development kit (SDK) facilitated seamless integration into the trial.
The study’s initial results have been promising, indicating that the shortened one-minute test yields comparable outcomes to the traditional six-minute version. Moreover, patients expressed greater willingness to conduct the test regularly from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits. This shift enhances patient experience and provides more representative data reflecting daily activities.
The potential benefits of remote testing extend beyond convenience. Patients with conditions like pulmonary hypertension can monitor their health more consistently, leading to better disease management and potentially reducing the frequency of in-person hospital reviews. While the upfront costs of implementing wearable technology may seem significant, the long-term reduction in hospital visits could outweigh these expenses, allowing clinicians to allocate their time more efficiently.
Dr. Newman emphasized that while Garmin was the preferred choice for the study, the technology’s accuracy, reliability, and patient acceptance are paramount. As the research progresses, there is openness to exploring other brands that meet these criteria.
Integrating Garmin smartwatches and companion apps into clinical settings is a significant step toward enhancing medical monitoring and patient care. By harnessing the capabilities of wearable technology, researchers aim to optimize diagnostic procedures, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate the burden of frequent hospital visits.
