Gastroenterology

Wearable devices predict inflammatory bowel disease flares

February 18, 2025

Wearable devices can effectively monitor and predict IBD activity, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and improved disease management. This non-invasive approach could enhance patient care by providing continuous, real-time data on physiological changes associated with IBD flares.

Study details: This study evaluated the ability of wearable devices (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Oura Ring) to predict IBD flares by collecting longitudinal physiological data, including heart rate (HR), resting heart rate (RHR), heart rate variability (HRV), steps, and oxygenation. Participants across the U.S. provided daily disease activity surveys and standard care biomarkers (CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fecal calprotectin). Linear mixed-effect models and cosinor mixed-effect models were used to analyze the data.

Results: The study enrolled 309 participants from 36 states. Significant differences in circadian HRV patterns were observed between periods of inflammatory flare and remission. HR and RHR were higher during flares, and daily steps decreased. HRV, HR, RHR, steps, and oxygenation showed significant alterations up to 7 weeks before flares, indicating their predictive potential.

Source:

Hirten RP, et al. (2025 January, 16). Gastroenterology. Physiological Data Collected From Wearable Devices Identify and Predict Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flares. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39826619/