Researchers have developed a lightweight wearable device that can detect hidden stress by continuously tracking multiple physiological signals from the body.
The bandage-like chest patch, described in the journal Science Advances, gently adheres to the skin and simultaneously measures heart activity, breathing patterns, sweat response, blood flow, and temperature.
Researchers from Northwestern University and Sungkyunkwan University said the combined signals provide a real-time, whole-body view of stress.
Lead researcher John A. Rogers said the body can show signs of stress before a person becomes consciously aware of it. He added that prolonged stress can be especially harmful for pregnant mothers, children, and critically ill patients, and that measuring stress could help people take steps to improve their health.
The device combines tiny sensors into a single soft patch that continuously monitors physiological changes linked to stress. A built-in motion sensor and miniature microphone capture mechanical and acoustic signals from the heart and lungs, while other sensors measure skin temperature, heat flow, and changes in skin conductivity caused by sweat gland activity.
Data collected by the device is wirelessly transmitted to a smartphone, smartwatch, or tablet, where machine learning algorithms analyse stress-related patterns in real time.
Researchers said the wearable could help clinicians detect stress and discomfort in patients who may struggle to communicate, including infants and elderly people. The team also said the technology may help diagnose sleep disorders, monitor mental health, and detect early warning signs of medical complications.
The device weighs less than eight grams and can operate continuously for more than 24 hours. In simulated lie-detector tests, the wearable accurately captured stress responses and closely matched commercial polygraph systems. In cognitive tests involving speech recognition in noisy environments, the device detected rising stress levels as tasks became more difficult.