Using Apple Watch to detect signs of COVID-19 infections in users is more than just a hypothesis now.
Two studies published in January supported the idea that changes in heart rate could be indicative of early signs of COVID-19 in Apple Watch users. Now, one of those studies, the Mount Sinai Warrior Watch study, has been peer reviewed by the Journal of Medical Internet Research, TechCrunch lights:
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that wearable hardware, and specifically the Apple Watch, can effectively predict a positive COVID-19 diagnosis up to a week before current PCR-based nasal smear tests.
The study is conducted with Mount Sinai employees who volunteer to participate in the effort to learn more about the psychological effects of being COVID-19 health professionals during the pandemic.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Sinai launched a study to understand the effects of coronavirus on our team. Led by Robert Hirten, MD, and Zahi Fayad, PhD, of the Mount Sinai COVID Informatics Center, the objectives of this study are to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals and to learn how this stress can be relieved. We also hope to identify COVID-19 infections in our employees before symptoms start.
Mount Sinai
The Warrior Watch study is still ongoing, although the results learned from the study may already be actionable for the implementation of preventive measures if the initial COVID-19 infections are signaled by the Apple Watch.
The final game of COVID-19 will be universal vaccination, of course, but taking advantage of Apple Watch data already in millions of pulses can only help to decrease spread in the meantime.
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