Wearable technology for the next generation of sports performance and health monitoring

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There are currently no real-time, non-invasive devices to monitor hydration levels for sports and healthcare applications. NPL and QMUL have been exploring technology for a microwave hydration monitor and the PhD student will develop a SMART device that has the potential to monitor real-time hydration changes in the sports arena. The scientific benefits will be a device which can actively monitor a person's hydration in a localised region of the body, and how body perfusion interacts. The technology will lead to a better understanding of a person's health but also how the body operates in hyper to dehydration scenarios, both of which have significant detrimental effects on the person's health and well-being. In the sporting community, performance benefits of a hydration monitor will be explored with existing collaborations at St Mary's University. The student will develop the next generation of prototype devices using electronics, design and microwave propagation skills. The current prototype utilises an ear lobe attachment which needs to accommodate a microwave antenna and wireless circuitry while remaining in stable contact during low intensity and moderate exercise. Existing and developed prototypes will be evaluated using biomaterials for frequency-dependent microwave absorption measurements and ethically approved measurements in sports people. The resulting prototype will benefit the sports and healthcare industries enormously through development of IP and patents. Indeed, the SMART wearable technology has the potential to attract further financial investment with an estimated £32 million modestly predicted potential sales market.