Advanced Science (Sep 2024)

All‐in‐One, Wireless, Multi‐Sensor Integrated Athlete Health Monitor for Real‐Time Continuous Detection of Dehydration and Physiological Stress

  • Ka Ram Kim,
  • Tae Woog Kang,
  • Hodam Kim,
  • Yoon Jae Lee,
  • Sung Hoon Lee,
  • Hoon Yi,
  • Hyeon Seok Kim,
  • Hojoong Kim,
  • Jihee Min,
  • Jud Ready,
  • Melinda Millard‐Stafford,
  • Woon‐Hong Yeo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202403238
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 33
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Athletes are at high risk of dehydration, fatigue, and cardiac disorders due to extreme performance in often harsh environments. Despite advancements in sports training protocols, there is an urgent need for a non‐invasive system capable of comprehensive health monitoring. Although a few existing wearables measure athlete's performance, they are limited by a single function, rigidity, bulkiness, and required straps and adhesives. Here, an all‐in‐one, multi‐sensor integrated wearable system utilizing a set of nanomembrane soft sensors and electronics, enabling wireless, real‐time, continuous monitoring of saliva osmolality, skin temperature, and heart functions is introduced. This system, using a soft patch and a sensor‐integrated mouthguard, provides comprehensive monitoring of an athlete's hydration and physiological stress levels. A validation study in detecting real‐time physiological levels shows the device's performance in capturing moments (400–500 s) of synchronized acute elevation in dehydration (350%) and physiological strain (175%) during field training sessions. Demonstration with a few human subjects highlights the system's capability to detect early signs of health abnormality, thus improving the healthcare of sports athletes.

Keywords