Smart Textiles for Monitoring Aerobic Function using Artificial Intelligence

Project Synopsis

Exercise is a critical part of prevention of, and rehabilitation following, cardiovascular disease. Important clinical measurements are derived from how well the body can consume oxygen (oxygen uptake). However, current clinical measurements are restricted to laboratory environments using complex gas exchange systems. The rise of telemonitoring during the pandemic has made it clear that remote monitoring will continue to be an important part of patient care in the future. New technology innovations will be needed in the next 510 years for supporting remote monitoring for prevention and rehabilitation. Here, we propose a project that cointegrates innovations in artificial intelligence with innovative textile manufacturing for enabling advanced cardiorespiratory monitoring through wearable sensors. Specifically, we propose the development of textiles for monitoring heart (electrocardiogram) and lung (respiratory impedance plethysmography bands) function that, when combined with advanced machine learning models, predict oxygen uptake with clinical accuracy. Following the technology development stage, we will evaluate this cointegrative smart textile system in a cardiac rehabilitation patient population to assess physical activity and exercise prescription.

Project Objective

To have a new textile technology for cardiovascular disease monitoring, and form the foundation for disease biomarker discovery and enhanced athome monitoring.