New study suggests Apple Watch heart rate sensor can predict COVID-19 up to a week before swab test

A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai has found that an Apple Watch can effectively predict a positive COVID-19 diagnosis up to a week before current PCR-based nasal swab tests (via TechCrunch).

Published in peer review Internet medical research journal, the “Warrior Watch” study involved several hundred Mount Sinai healthcare workers using a dedicated Apple Watch and iPhone app for monitoring and collecting personal health data.

All participants were also required to complete a daily survey over several months to provide direct feedback on potential symptoms of the coronavirus and other factors, including stress.

Data collection took place from April to September and the main focus of the researchers was heart rate variability (HRV), a key indicator of stress on the nervous system. This data point was combined with the reported symptoms associated with the disease, such as fever, body aches, dry cough, and loss of taste and smell.

The Warrior Watch study not only predicted infections for up to a week before tests provided confirmed diagnoses, but also found that participants’ HRV patterns normalized fairly quickly after their diagnosis, reverting to the normal about one to two weeks after they test positive.

The researchers hope the findings can help anticipate results and isolate individuals from others at risk at a distance, without having to perform a physical exam or administer a swab test, thus preventing potential spread before someone. is very contagious.

According to TechCrunch, the study will expand in the future to examine what other wearable devices may reveal about the impact of COVID-19 on the health of healthcare workers, including how things like sleep and physical activity may be linked to the disease.

As part of ongoing related research, Apple is currently working in partnership with researchers from the Seattle Flu Study and professors at the University of Washington School of Medicine to explore how changes in blood oxygen and blood flow. heart rate can be early signals of the onset of influenza and COVID. 19.

Previous independent studies of the Apple Watch have shown that smartwatch heart sensors may be able to detect early signs of diabetes and provide early signs of atrial fibrillation.