Nowadays, data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and other metrics are measured using devices like smartwatches. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work perfectly. That’s why we are looking for a new way to measure these metrics—using light! By utilizing optical technology, we hope to be able to measure accurate data. We need participants to help us test this.
By participating, you not only help advance science but also gain insight into your own health!
What are we working on?
As mentioned above, measuring data through a smartwatch is not always reliable (especially for people over the age of 60). This is because the signals in the body become weaker as people age, and the sensors in a smartwatch may not pick up these signals accurately. We want to change that. We are working on a technology using light (optical technology) that will allow us to measure heart rate and other important health data more accurately. We hope this can become a reliable method for people over 60 to measure their health data.
Wat vragen we van jou?
You are invited to attend 2 sessions at the University of Twente. Each session will last 1 hour and will be spaced over 6 weeks. During each session, you will sit quietly for 45 minutes. At your first visit, we will ask you some questions about your height, weight, age, and health.
After applying the new technology, in the form of a band around your upper arm, and a period of rest, we will ask you to stretch your legs for about 4½ to 5 minutes twice. After each effort, there will be a rest period. During the rest periods and while stretching your legs, the new system will perform measurements. Just like with a heart rate measurement using a smartwatch or finger clip, you won’t feel anything during the process. We will also measure your blood pressure and heart rate using existing methods, such as a blood pressure cuff on the (other) upper arm and a band around the chest.
We kindly ask that you do not smoke, drink caffeine, or engage in intense physical activity for 30 minutes before the session.
Who can join and when?
For our research, we are looking for adult participants of all ages, and we aim for an equal distribution between the age groups of under and over 60 years old.
You can participate if:
- You have no tattoos, scars, or injuries on your upper arm.
- You are not pregnant.
- You do not have any heart rhythm disorders.
EXTRA INFORMATIon
To thank you for your time, you will receive a gift voucher worth €35 for each session you participate in. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed based on your proof of payment.
Meet the researchers
Researcher 'Measuring heart rate through light'
dr. L.M. van Loon (Lex)
Assistant Professor
Hello! I am Dr. Lex van Loon. I am an assistant professor in cardiovascular research, affiliated with the CRPH group at the University of Twente. In addition, I work as a medical technologist in the intensive care department at UMC Utrecht and the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital.
In addition to the CRPH group, the BMPi research group of Prof. Steenbergen is also involved in the project. This group focuses on the use of light for medical purposes. Their goal is to develop optical and hybrid optical-acoustic technologies for medical research and diagnostics, particularly in the fields of oncology, wound healing, and microscopy.
Furthermore, the company Sonion is supporting the research with their expertise in sensor technology.
Registration for this study is no longer possible.
We have found enough participants for this phase of the research. If you would like to stay informed about new studies at the University of Twente, you can sign up here.
Fijn dat je je wilt aanmelden voor het project 'Hartslag meten met licht'. Vul hieronder je gegevens in en de onderzoeker neemt contact met je op.
