New wearable sensing platform for clinical trials provides 24/7 raw data

Shimmer Research, a global leader in wearable technology for research applications, has launched Verisense Pulse+, a new sensor for the Verisense platform. 

Verisense Pulse+ provides photoplethysmogram (PPG), galvanic skin response (GSR), and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The Verisense platform can now measure clinical trial participants’ heart rate, oxygen saturation and emotional responses in addition to their activity and sleep levels.

The PPG sensor monitors heart rate by using light absorption to measure changes in participant capillary blood volume. Whereas the GSR sensor measures changes in sweat gland activity, which can be used to assess the participant’s level of psychological and emotional arousal, stress, and other emotional responses. GSR is used for psychology clinical research and biofeedback, and it is starting to be employed in more clinical applications, including epilepsy.

According to the company, the device, which is worn on the wrist, is versatile, provides 24/7 continuous raw data, with water-resistant, flexible styling — all while placing minimum burden on sponsors, clinical trial sites, and participants.

“We are excited to introduce Verisense Pulse+ to the clinical trial market and integrate these new senor capabilities into our platform,” said Geoffrey Gill, President of Shimmer Americas. 

“It’s also easy to use because all the sensors are employed on the same architecture,” he added.

Dr Dilpreet Buxi, CTO and co-founder of Philia Labs, said: “After an extensive evaluation of all the on-market wearable sensor products, we determined that Verisense Pulse+ was the only one that could give us the raw data that we needed to study depression relapse thoroughly so we could create a tool to manage it effectively. We decided to become a Pulse+ beta tester and found the Shimmer team to be very collaborative and resourceful partners.”