Apparatus for assessing physiological conditions
Monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for assessing a physiological condition of a subject. At least two types of physiological information are detected from a subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject is made using the at least two types of physiological information, wherein each type of physiological information is individually insufficient to make the physiological condition assessment. Environmental information from a vicinity of a subject also may be detected, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject may be made using the environmental information in combination with the physiological information. Exemplary physiological information may include subject heart rate, subject activity level, subject tympanic membrane temperature, and subject breathing rate. Exemplary environmental information may include humidity level information in the vicinity of the subject. An exemplary physiological condition assessment may be subject hydration level.
1. A hydration status monitoring apparatus configured to be worn at or near the body of a subject, the apparatus comprising:
at least one humidity sensor configured to measure ambient humidity in an environment surrounding the subject as modified by sweat-related humidity from the subject during a performance of a physical activity;
at least one physical activity sensor configured to acquire data during the performance of the physical activity for a period of time including a beginning and a cessation of said physical activity; and
a signal processor;
wherein the signal processor is in communication with the at least one humidity sensor and the at least one physical activity sensor, and is configured to process data from the at least one humidity sensor and the at least one physical activity sensor,
wherein the signal processor is configured to determine when the subject begins the physical activity and when the subject ceases the physical activity based on the data from the at least one physical activity sensor,
wherein the signal processor is configured to obtain a first ambient humidity value from the at least one humidity sensor at a first time during the physical activity and a second ambient humidity value from the at least one humidity sensor at a second time subsequent to the first time during the physical activity, and
wherein the signal processor is configured to make an assessment of hydration status of the subject based on a difference between the first and second ambient humidity values.
2. The hydration status monitoring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one humidity sensor, the at least one physical activity sensor, and the signal processor are integrated into a single wearable device.
3. The hydration status monitoring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one humidity sensor, the at least one physical activity sensor, and the signal processor are in communication with each other through at least one wireless connection.
4. The hydration status monitoring apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a transmitter, and wherein the signal processor is configured to transmit the assessment and/or the data from the at least one humidity sensor and the at least one activity sensor to a remote telecommunication device via the transmitter.
5. A hydration status monitoring apparatus, comprising:
a housing configured to be attached to a body of a subject;
a humidity sensor attached to the housing and configured to measure ambient humidity in an environment surrounding the subject as modified by sweat-related humidity from the subject during a performance of a physical activity;
an activity sensor attached to the housing and configured to measure physical activity of the subject during the performance of the physical activity for a period of time including a beginning and a cessation of said physical activity; and
a signal processor attached to the housing,
wherein the signal processor is in communication with the humidity sensor and the activity sensor,
wherein the signal processor is configured to process data from the humidity sensor and the activity sensor, and wherein the signal processor is configured to determine when the subject begins the physical activity and when the subject ceases the physical activity based on the data from the activity sensor,
wherein the signal processor is configured to obtain a first ambient humidity value from the humidity sensor at a first time during the physical activity and a second ambient humidity value from the humidity sensor at a second time subsequent to the first time during the physical activity, and
wherein the signal processor is configured to make an assessment of hydration status of the subject based on a difference between the first and second ambient humidity values.
6. The hydration status monitoring apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the housing is configured to be attached to an ear, head, or neck region of the subject.
7. The hydration status monitoring apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising a transmitter, and wherein the signal processor is configured to transmit the assessment and/or the data from the humidity sensor and the activity sensor to a remote telecommunication device via the transmitter.