Jersey Hospital in the United Kingdom is conducting a new clinical trial that utilizes the Oura Ring 4 to track patient heart rates and assist in detecting Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). This medical condition causes the heart muscles to stiffen, preventing the organ from pumping blood effectively throughout the body.

According to BBC, the Oura Ring 4 was selected for the study because it offers a non-invasive, secure, and user-friendly method for remotely monitoring heart rate, heart rate variability across different states, respiratory rate, fitness metrics, and physical activity. In this trial, the smart ring is paired with a hospital-grade motion sensor called SENS Motion. This secondary sensor is attached to the patient’s thigh using an adhesive patch to track physical activity and sleep patterns in real time.

The clinical study was made possible by £225,000 in funding provided by the University of Oxford. The project aims to demonstrate how consumer wearable devices can positively impact the lives and care of hospitalized patients.

According to Aaron Henry, one of the cardiologists involved in the project, the primary advantage of the Oura Ring is its ability to transmit data continuously. This real-time transmission allows medical professionals to monitor patients 24 hours a day, providing valuable insights into how individual patients respond to their specific cardiac treatments.

While the trial currently utilizes the Oura Ring 4, the product line has expanded with the launch of the Oura Ring 5 in March. The newer generation features a chassis that is 40% thinner to improve user comfort, alongside a battery life that lasts up to 7 days. Additionally, its charging case provides up to 30 days of total autonomy. The updated model also features enhanced sensor precision, allowing it to detect potential heart conditions before physical symptoms manifest.

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