Ionic sweat analysis for health monitoring in real-time exercise

Abstract

Sweat analysis has the potential to become a new method in the wearable monitoring technology market by providing new and more precise physiological parameters. The need for more accurate sweat sensors has not allowed setting a correlation between sweat constituents and a person's health status. The development of this research field could lead to the creation of a new non-invasive method in the medical sector. This study provides a new sweat analysis method for real-time health monitoring while performing physical activity. A sweat analysis system has been developed for the analysis of sodium and chloride ions found in sweat. A patch is adhered to the skin, wicking sweat by capillary action into a microchannel system. The integration of a potentiometric sensor inside this patch allows for the analysis of sweat in situ. Two ion-selective electrodes and a reference electrode are produced and tested for the correct functioning of the sensor. In addition, a read-out circuit is used for the real-time monitoring of sweat ion concentrations during physiological experiments carried on an ergometer. The developed sweat analysis system proved to be a functional device capable of collecting and analyzing sweat in real-time. Wireless data transmission would avoid malfunctions in the system's connection and allow new tests in different sports environments. Future research should focus on validating the sensor with further physiological tests to set a stronger relationship between ionic sweat concentrations and the health status of a person.