Field Test of Wearable Sensors for Hydration Monitoring

Wearable sweat sensors will soon launch in the commercial sector. Many of these sensors focus on hydration monitoring, which is critical for optimizing performance and ensuring safety; particularly as it relates to individuals participating in extremely demanding physical activities. For these reasons, we tested the, durability, and comfort of a prototype sweat sensor in a mock special operations field event. Data were collected at the U.S. Air Force Academy to include measures of hydration levels (e.g., Urine Specific Gravity) and fluid loss (e.g., body weight) across a series of five strenuous physical activities. We evaluated the prototype design in terms of comfort and intrusiveness. Observations and survey data revealed the participants did not perceive the technologies as intrusive. All of the requisite activities were completed and the technologies did not hinder performance. General Electric, the developers of the particular sensor evaluated, received important design-related information for future iterations. With this technology the U.S. military hopes to see a decrease in the number of heat and hydration related incidents by enhancing the safety of its personnel. Moreover, the future design of this system is critical as part of a physiological dashboard used by special operations forces. A combination of optimizing human performance and safety could create the next iteration of the world's most powerful ground forces.