Date of Last Revision
2023-05-02 18:58:09
Major
Biomedical Engineering - Biomechanics - Cooperative Education
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2016
Abstract
Dehydration is defined as a mild, moderate, or extreme loss of water in the body. It can result in fever, muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, or heat stroke in athletes. Ways to determine hydration levels include analysis of the urine, blood, or sweat, body weight changes, skin elasticity tests, and increases in core temperature. Patent search, research journals, and outside studies in the health and fitness market showed that a convenient and continuous hydration monitoring system was not available. Changes in core body temperature proved to be the quickest way to measure hydration levels. The HydroBand system is geared towards athletes of all levels and ages. It contains a temperature sensor housed in an elastic band that is worn across the user’s chest. The device continuously measures the user’s temperature during the course of a workout and relays temperature fluctuations to a computer system. The computer system then codes the data and displays how much water, in ounces, the user must drink to combat the amount of water loss occurred during the course of a workout. Baseline testing showed that the rate of temperature rise can vary between athletes, and should be taken into account in further HydroBand research. Ultimately HydroBand aims to improve athletic performance by keeping athletes healthy and hydrated.
Research Sponsor
Dr. James A. Keszenheimer
First Reader
Dr. Rouzbeh Amini
Second Reader
Dr. Ronald Otterstetter
Recommended Citation
Atkinson, Karina E. and Benedict, Catherine P., "HydroBand: The Continuous Hydration Monitoring System" (2016). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 299.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/299