Movement analysis with electromagnetic wave-based sensor technology

Wearable technologies are widely used in today’s sports medicine. Whether they home in on a diagnosis or track people’s various parameters, wearables, and smart textiles are here to provide information and support. The MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE will showcase some of the latest trends and research developments pertaining to sports medicine.

In this MEDICA-tradefair.com interview, Professor Björn Eskofier illustrates the latest sensor technology trends for sports medicine and explains what electromagnetic wave-based sensors are all about.

Professor Eskofier, what role do wearable technologies play in sports and healthcare?

Prof. Björn Eskofier: To get real-world data for diagnostic purposes and to potentially develop digital therapeutics, we simply need more than the one-time observations of doctors, trainers, or coaches. It helps to have long-term data and real-world evidence of athletes or patients from wearable technologies. Wearables help deliver a metaphysical representation or analyze a sports performance across multiple cycles - ideally over long periods.

How has sensor technology in sports medicine developed in recent years when it comes to diagnostics?

Eskofier: The sensors are getting ever-smaller, more powerful, and more accurate. Battery lifespan is also improving, facilitating much longer measuring cycles. This allows the collection of more data with a higher integration density. Some smartwatches monitor body functions and provide respective data of unprecedented precision and quantity. Actual research in this area also keeps evolving, making new developments possible in the first place. These advancements in sensor and measurement technology permit insights into the inner workings of the human body.

Where are the greatest opportunities for sensor development in sports medicine?

Eskofier: I think we've pretty much tapped into the full potential of wearable sensors. There are already many different types of wearable technology out there that collect data directly via smartwatches, for example. Sensors that are integrated into textiles – like those for electrocardiograms – will see a rise in popularity in the near future. Smart textiles can collect data in the form of a T-shirt, for example. Shoes with embedded sensors can perform a movement analysis. There are also very interesting developments in the field of implantable and ingestible sensor technology. Ingestible temperature monitoring systems can directly collect data about the intestinal tract, for example. Meanwhile, implantable sensors can measure glucose levels directly and operate an insulin pump. The next step in this development are sensors based on electromagnetic waves. These sensors can monitor body functions remotely. They are non-invasive and wireless.

What is your current research focus in wearable technologies with applications in sports and healthcare?

Eskofier: Though not necessarily a wearable sensor, I am current involved in research aimed at advancing electromagnetic wave-based sensors for measurement purposes. It’s essentially a radar sensor that can monitor your breathing and heartbeat. Depression and stress could be measured and identified based on observations and movement of people.

What is the subject of your presentation at the MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE?

Eskofier: I will talk about sensor technology that is based on electromagnetic waves and discuss the resulting opportunities for measurement techniques. These measurement techniques could measure information about biosignals including heartbeat, respiration, and biomechanics.

Why is MEDICA the right platform to address this topic?

Eskofier: In research, we want to take people along with us and show them where the journey will take us in the next ten or twenty years. We want to encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas on how important medical and sports-related data could be captured in the future. The MEDICA trade fair is a great forum for this because it allows us to present our current research and point out any ethical, social, and legal implications.