VivoMetrics' LifeShirt enlisted for South Pole research project
California-based VivoMetrics’ LifeShirt is to be used for a three-year study in the South Pole. Researcher Bruce Johnson, PhD, will use the Lifeshirt to collect data for his research on altitude illness. Dr Johnson and his research team expect to spend up to six weeks in the extreme environment.
The Lifeshirt System is a non-invasive ambulatory monitoring system that collects, records, and analyses a range of cardiopulmonary functions (such as pulmonary function, electric activity of the heart, posture). Sensors are embedded in a lightweight, machine washable garment which collects the cardiopulmonary data. There are also optional peripheral devices that can measure EEG/EOG, leg movements, temperature, blood pressure, blood saturation, end tidal CO2 and cough.
Altitude illness can be debilitating for anyone who travels, especially those who are involved in sports such as snow skiing or hiking in mountainous regions. Yet the way some people are affected by altitude illness while others are not is a mystery for researchers.
"We hope to begin to uncover similarities in acclimation or possible genetic markers that can tell us who will likely have trouble at altitude," said Dr Johnson.
