A new study suggests that Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor can predict COVID-19 for up to a week before taking a swab test

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

Posted in peer review Journal of Medical Internet Research, the “Warrior Watch Study” involved several hundred Mount Sinai health workers who used a dedicated Apple Watch and iPhone app to track and collect personal health data.

All participants also had to complete a daily survey for several months to provide direct information about possible coronavirus symptoms 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 nervous system tension. This data point was combined with disease-related symptoms such as fever, pain, dry cough, and loss of taste and smell.

The Warrior Watch study not only was able to predict infections up to a week before tests provided confirmed diagnoses, but also revealed that participants ’VHR patterns normalized fairly quickly after diagnosis, returning to normal approximately one or two weeks after the positive tests.

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

In accordance with TechCrunch, the study will be expanded in the future to see what other laptops can reveal about the impact of COVID-19 on the health of health workers, including the relationship to things like sleep and physical activity with the disease.

In a related research that is ongoing, Apple is currently partnering with researchers from the Seattle Influenza Study and professors at the University of Washington School of Medicine to explore how changes in blood oxygen and heart rate may be the first signs of the onset of the flu and COVID. 19.

Previous independent studies by Apple Watch have shown that smart watch heart sensors can detect early signs of diabetes and provide early warning signs of atrial fibrillation.