The Scripps Research Translational Institute (Scripps Research) in San Diego, US, is conducting a study to assess the effectiveness of wearable fitness devices in predicting COVID-19 infection.

The two-year DETECT study builds on a previous research that tracked seasonal flu using the Fitbit wearable device. The study aims to recruit one million wearable users and monitor their heart rate, temperature, activity and sleep level data to predict regional clusters of COVID-19.

Seasonal flu and COVID-19, which killed more than a million people across the globe, have similar symptoms. Scripps Research expects that the data procured from fitness devices will help in identifying a potential outbreak and containing its spread.

Additionally, it will encourage the participants to isolate themselves after detecting any anomalies, thereby reducing the risks of transmission further.

Scripps Research published a study on the research using two years of data from 50,000 users in January 2020. The study concluded that Fitbit data, just like Kinsa Health’s smart thermometer data, can be used to predict local flu outbreaks more accurately than the system used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study also determined that data from these wearables can identify whether a person who reported symptoms is likely to have COVID-19 with approximately 80% prediction accuracy, which is a major improvement compared to other models that used self-reported symptoms.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The DETECT study includes all wearables capable of monitoring heart rate. Participants can join by downloading the MyDataHelps app.