With the arrival of new medical technologies in recent years, the outcome for many life-threatening diseases and illnesses no longer means death. Instead, it means a hope and more control and understanding of the future for many. Cellular devices with health trackers, as well as smartwatches with fitness trackers have been linked to helping predict the occurrence of certain symptoms in MS. This concept was essentially tested when in-person health visits were limited, the Covid-19 pandemic. This pandemic has been notoriously known for its negative impacts on the health of people with neurological disorders. Hence, this link is quite beneficial.
The study was conducted in tandem with the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Washington with intention to find out the practical clinical possibilities of health trackers in predictions. The subjects were adults 18 years or older enrolled in an older University of Pittsburgh study, who were professionally diagnosed with MS and owned a Smartphone. The participants downloaded an app to capture sensor data and wore a Fitbit to track sleep, steps, and heart rate. This data was collected from November 2019 to January 2021, meaning there was data during the lockdown. The analysis had data from 56 participants, most of them women.
Using machine learning algorithms, the answers were clear. The algorithm predicted depression with an accuracy of 82.5% based on data on calls, heart rate, and location. The algorithm predicted sleep quality with an accuracy of 84% based on data on location and screen time. As for predicting high global MS symptom burden, the accuracy was 90% based on data from calls, heart rate, location, and screen time and it predicted severe fatigue with an accuracy of 75.5%
This data poses new outlooks for the health industry, especially for MS patients. Although there were 2 major limitations: reliance on patient-reported data to assess outcomes and the small number of participants, this study is a step in helping patients who suffer the most. Tracking and monitoring high-risk patients can help prevent complications and prioritize those who need help the most in times when facilities are limited. The analyzing of physiome and using biosensors have future implications for not only for MS patients but for many people who suffer from different diseases.
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