With the summer heat in Texas, dehydration is a concern for many. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin are addressing this issue with a new noninvasive, wearable sensor that continuously measures hydration levels. This device could be beneficial for athletes, firefighters, and office workers.
“Dehydration is a silent threat that affects millions of people every day,” said Nanshu Lu, a professor at the Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics. “Our wearable sensor provides a simple, effective way to monitor hydration levels in real time, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to stay healthy and perform at their best.”
The sensor uses bioimpedance to track hydration by measuring how electrical signals pass through the body. Electrodes send a small current through the arm, with hydrated tissues allowing the current to pass more easily than dehydrated ones. Data from the sensor is transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone.
Experiments included a diuretic-induced dehydration study and a 24-hour free-living trial. Participants’ hydration levels were monitored using the sensor and compared against urine samples. “Our experiments demonstrated that arm bioimpedance is not only sensitive to hydration changes but also aligns closely with whole-body hydration measurements,” said Matija Jankovic, co-author of the study.
Traditional methods for assessing hydration can be invasive and impractical for continuous monitoring. Commercial devices often require bulky equipment. Lu’s team has developed similar technology for other health aspects like stress measurement and brainwave monitoring.
Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining organ function and regulating body temperature. Dehydration can impair cognitive function and physical performance or lead to severe conditions like kidney stones or heatstroke.
The device may also have applications in healthcare for diagnosing conditions such as kidney disease or chronic dehydration. Future research aims to establish reference data for absolute hydration levels and explore new designs like breathable e-tattoos.
“This is just the beginning,” Lu said. “Our goal is to make simple hydration monitoring accessible to everyone.”
