Wearable Technology in the Study of Raynaud's Phenomena: Ascertainment of the Potential Impact of Wearable Technology on Raynaud's Phenomena Utilizing Data

摘要

Can wearable technology aid in the study of Raynaud's Phenomena? Raynaud's phenomena (RP) affects 3-20% of the Population worldwide (Nhs, 2015). RP is the vasoconstriction of the microvascular system in the extremities, such as the digits, in response to cold exposure or emotional stress. The prime quotidian problems for sufferers are: ischemia to the extremities, the pain this causes, loss of fine pincer movements and the aesthetics (Fig 1.). The initial symptom of an RP attack is often numbness; this is not always noticed by the individual with RP. The faster the attack is identified the sooner the individual can attempt to re-establish blood flow, therefore shortening the time the tissue has been starved of nutrients. Current options include Pharmaceutics which have side effects from headaches to bleeding in the brain along with problems in cross drug interactions. Pharmaceutics also come at a cost, not just of the drug but also the time spent with the Doctor which can be regular if a drug that suits the individual is not easily found. Whilst available wearables such as ski gloves and heat focused garments limit function and dexterity they also have a lack of data of the impact these have. The presupposition is that a wearable data collection device could create a database to aid in the understanding of the condition itself as well as any wearable or pharmaceuticals impact. The PhD research continues from the researcher's MRes in Digital Media that questioned whether an RP attack could be detected with a temperature sensor. The study showed positive results which included taking the skin surface and environmental temperatures of predicting attacks initiating from data changes. The research will be advanced by focusing on data gathering, for an accurate device, improving the calculations involved.