Health Tracking Research Articles

A multilevel analysis of changing telehealth availability in opioid use disorder treatment settings: Conditional effects of rurality, the number and types of medication for opioid use disorder available, and time, US, 2016-2023.

The opioid overdose crisis requires strengthening treatment systems with innovative technologies. How people use telehealth for opioid use disorder (OUD) is evolving and differs in rural versus urban areas, as telehealth is emerging as a local resource and complementary option to in-person treatment. We assessed changing trends in telehealth and medication for OUD (MOUD) and pinpoint locations of low telehealth and MOUD access. We used national data from the Mental health and Addiction Treatment Tracking Repository (2016-2023) to identify specialty outpatient SUD treatment facilities in the United States (N = 83,988). We modeled the availability of telehealth using multilevel multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for covariates. We included a 3-way interaction to test for conditional effects of rurality, the number of MOUD medication types dispensed, and year. We included two random effects to account for clustering within counties and states. We identified 495 facilities that offered both telehealth and all three MOUD medication types (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) in 2023, clustered in the eastern United States. We identified a statistically significant 3-way interaction (p < 0.0001), indicating that telehealth in facilities that did not offer MOUD shifted from more telehealth in rural facilities in earlier years to more telehealth in urban facilities in later years. Treatment facilities that offer both telehealth and all three MOUD medication types may improve access for hard-to-reach populations. We stress the importance of continued health system strengthening and technological resources in vulnerable rural communities, while acknowledging a changing landscape of increased OUD incidence and MOUD demand in urban communities.

Serum Dioxin Levels in a Subset of Participants of the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Health Tracking Study

Serum Dioxin Levels in a Subset of Participants of the East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment Health Tracking Study

Is Workload Associated With Oblique Injuries in Professional Baseball Players?

Oblique strains have become a common injury among professional baseball players. The influence of player workload on oblique strains remains unknown. To determine whether workload is a risk factor for oblique strains in professional baseball players. We hypothesized that fewer days of rest, more innings pitched/fielded per game, and more batters faced/plate appearances per game would significantly increase a player's risk of sustaining an oblique strain. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. All professional baseball players who sustained an oblique strain between 2011 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System. A separate dataset of player usage-days of rest per game, innings pitched or fielded per game, and batters faced or plate appearances per game-was used to determine the workload. We compared these usage variables between player games ≤2, ≤6, ≤12, and >12 weeks before a documented oblique strain with player games from a control group of players with no oblique strains. In a paired analysis, we compared acute (player games ≤2, ≤6, and ≤12 weeks preinjury) versus chronic (player games >12 weeks preinjury) workloads. There were 311 oblique strains in pitchers and 392 oblique strains in position players during the study period. In pitchers, more innings pitched and more batters faced were associated with a subsequent oblique strain (P < .001 for all). In position players, fewer days of rest, more innings fielded, and more plate appearances were associated with a subsequent oblique strain (P < .001 for all). Pitchers who pitched ≥7 innings per game had a 2.4-fold (95% CI, 1.4-4.9) increased risk of subsequent oblique strain compared with those who pitched 1 inning per game. The percentage of position players with a subsequent oblique strain increased by 2.1-fold (95% CI, 1.3-3.5) with >4 plate appearances compared with 1 plate appearance per game. Our analysis demonstrated that workload was associated with an increased risk of sustaining an oblique injury in professional baseball players. High workload over time was more predictive of oblique strains compared to acute increases over chronic baseline workload.

The Effect of Medical Insurance on the Physical Function Health of the Elderly under Different Marital Status

In order to further improve China's medical insurance system and better protect the health rights and interests of the elderly under different marital status, this paper combines the data of China Health and Pension Tracking Survey (CHARLS), uses Logit regression analysis and propensity score matching method to analyze the medical insurance system implemented since 1998. Whether it has an impact on the physical function health of the elderly in different marital states. In this paper, the marital status of the elderly aged 65 and above in 2018 is divided into married and unmarried states, in which the married and surviving spouse means married, and married widows, divorces and lifelong single are all classified as unmarried. The self-rated health of the elderly reflects their physical function health, so as to conduct an empirical study. It is concluded that medical insurance has a positive effect on the physical function health of the elderly under different marital status, and the effect on unmarried elderly is greater than that on married elderly. To this end, this paper puts the following suggestions.

An overview of investments in the development of the Russian Medtech market and the prospects for the impact of digitalization in medicine on the economic performance of companies until 2030

Today, the topic of digitalization, the introduction of innovations based on Big Data, the complexity of technologies due to the introduction of artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare is one of the most relevant in this industry, undoubtedly contributing to its rapid development. As a result of this development, there is a huge number of services and applications. Internet resources, not only for health tracking (more than 3,500 applications are available by the end of 2023), but also the development of diagnostic resources, telemedicine, etc. Quite quickly, it was the pandemic and its consequences that changed the format of interaction between doctors, communication in the community of doctors, and their interaction with patients. Saving time when making an appointment with a doctor, visiting him, constant monitoring of the condition of patients, becoming better and more multidirectional day by day, make it possible to provide timely, relevant care to more people. The use of artificial intelligence technologies and digital solutions in the field of Russian healthcare opens up great prospects for both doctors and patients, as well as for many government agencies, since the development of regulatory and legal regulation and state control and management of innovations in the field of medicine and healthcare is important. An important factor is that not only government programs for the development of healthcare, but also investments are extremely important for the development of digital medicine.

Integrating linear and nonlinear models to assess the built environment’s impact on older adults’ behaviors in China

China is experiencing rapid population aging. The one contributing factor affecting senior citizens’ lives is the disconnect between the built environment in urban and rural areas and the behavioral preferences of older adults. However, research on the relation between the built environment and the behavior of older individuals has been limited. Thus, this paper uses the most recent health tracking data on factors influencing aging in China released in 2020 (China Senior Health Survey Tracking Survey). Applying traditional regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and two decision tree optimization models from machine learning, a comprehensive comparative study is carried out to investigate the correlation between the built environment and the physical activity, dietary habits, and social interactions of older age groups. The findings reveal that built environment variables most significantly impact physical activity, accounting for 52.525%, followed by social interaction behaviors at 50.202% and dietary intake at 47.991%. Furthermore, the authors identify population density and greenness rate as the built environment factors having considerable effects on the behavior of older adults. Thus, this study establishes a theoretical foundation for developing age-friendly community environments for older adults.

Health Monitoring Systems for Military Personnel Using Sensor-based Systems

Abstract: The integration of sensor based system and integrated technologies in healthcare has opened new avenues for monitoring and enhancing the health of military personnel, particularly in challengingoperational environments. This review paper explores the evolution, applications, and challengesof health tracking systems for soldiers through the lens of IoT. We delve into the advancements in wearable devices, sensors, and data analytics thatfacilitate concurrent surveillance or immediate tracking and appraisal of vital signs. The paper highlights the significance of these systems in preventing injuries, ensuring timely medical intervention, and optimizing the overall well-being of soldiers during deployments. Key components, such as sensors and communication modules, are discussed, along with the critical aspects of data security and privacy. Case studies exemplify successful implementations, while the paper concludes by outlining challenges and future directions for IoT-based health tracking systems in military contexts.

Enhancing healthcare IoT systems for diabetic patient monitoring: Integration of Harris Hawks and grasshopper optimization algorithms.

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare, especially for people with diabetes, allows for constant health monitoring. This means that doctors can watch over patients' health more closely, making sure they catch any issues early on. With this technology, healthcare workers can be more accurate and effective when keeping an eye on how patients are doing. This not only helps in keeping track of patients' health in real-time but also makes the whole process more reliable and efficient.By implementing appropriate routing techniques, the transmission of diabetic patients' data to medical centers will facilitate real-time and timely responses from healthcare professionals. The grasshopper optimization algorithm is employed in the proposed approach to cluster network nodes, resulting in the formation of a network tree that facilitates the establishment of connections between the cluster head and the base station. After identifying the cluster head and establishing the clusters, the second stage of routing is implemented by employing the Harris Hawks optimization algorithm. This algorithm ensures that the data pertaining to diabetic patients is transmitted to the treatment centers and hospitals with minimal delay. For node routing, the optimal next step is selected based on the parameters such as the residual energy of the node, the ratio of delivered data packages, and the number of the neighbors of the node. To continue, first, the MATLAB software is utilized to simulate the proposed method, and then, it is compared with other similar methods. This comparison is conducted based on various parameters, including delay, energy consumption, network throughput, and network lifespan. Compared to other methods, the proposed method demonstrates a significant 33% improvement in the average point-to-point delay parameter in the subsequent iterations or rounds.

A Comprehensive Review on Advancements in Wearable Technologies: Revolutionizing Cardiovascular Medicine.

Wearable technologies have emerged as powerful tools in healthcare, offering continuous monitoring and personalized insights outside traditional clinical settings. These devices have garnered significant attention in cardiovascular medicine for their potential to transform patient care and improve outcomes. This comprehensive review provides an overview of wearable technologies' evolution, advancements, and applications in cardiovascular medicine. We examine the miniaturization of sensors, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and proliferation of remote patient monitoring solutions. Key findings include the role of wearables in the early detection of cardiovascular conditions, personalized health tracking, and remote patient management. Challenges such as data privacy concerns and regulatory hurdles are also addressed. The adoption of wearable technologies holds promise for shifting healthcare from reactive to proactive, enabling precision diagnostics, treatment optimization, and preventive strategies. Collaboration among healthcare stakeholders is essential to harnessing the full potential of wearables in cardiovascular medicine and ushering in a new era of personalized, proactive healthcare.

Ethical Risks of Systematic Menstrual Tracking in Sport.

In this article it will be concluded that systematic menstrual tracking in women's sport has the potential to cause harm to athletes. Since the ruling of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022) in the United States, concerns regarding menstrual health tracking have arisen. Research suggests that the menstrual tracking of female athletes presents potential risks to "women's autonomy, privacy, and safety in sport" (Casto 2022, 1725). At present, the repercussions of systematic menstrual tracking are particularly under-scrutinized, and this paper seeks to combine novel research in the sport sciences with present ethical debates in the philosophy of sports. Utilizing Beauvoir's feminist philosophy (2011), this paper argues that systematic menstrual tracking may contribute to the wider system of women's oppression by exploiting female athletes, as well as enabling the internalization of submissive behaviour in cultures where athletes are expected to comply unquestioningly. Five policy recommendations are made concerning autonomy, informed consent, education, safeguarding and data access. The overall findings of this paper propose that a more in-depth understanding of the links between data, privacy, and the menstrual cycle are required by sports organizations and governing bodies if athletes are to be protected in a future where systematic menstrual tracking is inevitable.

Which Educational Topics and Smartphone App Functions Are Prioritized by US Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases? A Mixed-Methods Study.

We sought to identify (1) what types of information US adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) perceive as most important to know about their disease, and (2) what functions they would use in an RMD-specific smartphone app. Nominal groups with patients with RMD were conducted using online tools to generate a list of needed educational topics. Based on nominal group results, a survey with final educational items was administered online, along with questions about desired functions of a smartphone app for RMD and wearable use, to patients within a large community rheumatology practice-based research network and the PatientSpot registry. Chi-square tests and multivariate regression models were used to determine differences in priorities between groups of respondents with rheumatic inflammatory conditions (RICs) and osteoarthritis (OA), and possible associations. At least 80% of respondents considered finding a rheumatologist, understanding tests and medications, and quickly recognizing and communicating symptoms to doctors as extremely important educational topics. The highest-ranked topic for both RIC and OA groups was "knowing when the medication is not working." The app functions that most respondents considered useful were viewing laboratory results, recording symptoms to share with their rheumatology provider, and recording symptoms (eg, pain, fatigue) or disease flares for health tracking over time. Approximately one-third of respondents owned and regularly used a wearable activity tracker. People with RMD prioritized information about laboratory test results, medications, and disease and symptom monitoring, which can be used to create educational and digital tools that support patients during their disease journey.

Performance and Return to Play After Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Professional Baseball Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains a rare diagnosis but is being recognized as a cause of upper extremity dysfunction in professional baseball players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine performance and return-to-play (RTP) outcomes in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of TOS. The hypothesis was that there would be a high RTP rate in professional baseball players after TOS surgery with no statistical differences in performance between pitchers who had TOS surgery and matched controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All professional baseball players who underwent surgical treatment of TOS between 2010 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database. Demographic and performance data (before and after surgery) for each player were recorded. Performance variables were then compared between players who underwent TOS surgery and matched controls. The matching criteria were no history of previous surgeries on affected arm, age at time of surgery, throwing side, level of play (Major or Minor League Baseball), and years of experience playing professional baseball. Results: Overall, 52 players underwent surgery for TOS, of whom 46 (88%) were pitchers. The type of TOS was neurogenic in 69% and venous in 29%. One player had arterial TOS. After TOS surgery, 79% of players returned to play at the same or higher level (RTSP) by 9.5 months and played ≥3 years after surgery. No differences were found in RTSP rate based on the type of TOS. No statistical difference was found in RTP rates between major and minor league players. Pitchers had a 76% RTSP, which was similar to the natural attrition for control pitchers (P = .874). After TOS surgery, pitchers saw a decline in several performance metrics, but these declines were not different from those of control pitchers, indicating that the decline in performance after TOS surgery was no faster than is seen in healthy professional pitchers as they age. Conclusion: The rate of RTSP after surgery for TOS in professional baseball players was 79%. There was no difference in RTP based on the type of TOS. Pitchers who underwent surgery for TOS had no significant differences in pitching performance metrics after surgery compared with matched controls.

Soldier Health and Position Tracking System

The Soldier Health and Position Tracking System (SHRYS) is an integrated technological solution designed to address the multifaceted challenges associated with monitoring and ensuring the well-being of military personnel in dynamic and unpredictable operational environments. This system amalgamates state-of-the-art wearable devices, GPS technology, and health monitoring sensors to provide comprehensive real-time insights into soldiers' physical conditions and locations. The wearable devices continuously collect vital health metrics such as heart rate, body temperature, and activity levels, fostering a proactive approach to healthcare management. Simultaneously, the GPS technology enables precise and continuous tracking of soldiers' positions on the battlefield. The collected data is then transmitted to a centralized monitoring system, where advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms assess soldiers' health trends, detect anomalies, and facilitate timely medical interventions. The SHPTS aims to enhance the overall situational awareness of military commanders, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately ensure the optimal health and safety of soldiers deployed in challenging and high-risk scenarios. This innovative system stands at the forefront of leveraging technology to safeguard the well-being and operational effectiveness of military personnel.

SafeGuard: IOT - Based Health and Soldier Tracking System

Abstract: These days, a nation's battleground is essential to its security. The soldiers in the army play a major role. There have been several actions made to protect the soldiers. Therefore, numerous equipment is mounted on horses to monitor their health in order to ensure their safety. Bioprocess systems facilitate low-cost wearable, discreet health monitoring options by combining several biosensor types, transmission technologies, and processing powers. GPS is used to determine latitude and longitude, making it easy to determine the soldier's direction. In order for base stations to be able to monitor their soldiers in real time, these devices are being attached to weapons and clothing. The Israeli Army, for example, is investigating the possibility of embedding GPS trackers inside soldiers' vests and uniforms. Several intelligent sensors that are affixed to a soldier's body are employed in this system. The base station will use a wireless connection to provide connectivity. The GSM module that the soldiers would carry will aid in facilitating their contact with the army station base. The idea of tracking a soldier and learning about his situation during a fight is the focus of the project's proposed system. Software and hardware are integrated to implement the system.

The role of AI and mobile apps in patient-centric healthcare delivery

Patient-centric healthcare is an approach to healthcare that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and values of patients in the delivery of medical services. As part of a patient-centric model, patients take active part in decision-making regarding their own care, while healthcare providers tailor treatments and services to each patient's needs. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile applications (apps) has now opened new avenues for enhancing patient engagement and improving healthcare outcomes, so by leveraging AI's sophisticated data analytics and predictive capabilities, healthcare providers are able to gain unprecedented insights into patient health patterns, thereby enabling personalized, and proactive care plans tailored to the patient’s individual needs. Furthermore, mobile apps have become potent tools, giving patients smooth access to healthcare resources, virtual medical consultations, and real-time health tracking, boosting patient independence and enabling them to manage their health with greater ease. The integration of AI and mobile apps into healthcare delivery is revolutionizing patient-centric care by enhancing patient engagement, empowerment, and self-management capabilities. However, addressing concerns around data privacy, security, and digital literacy is crucial for successful implementation. This study outlines a framework for harnessing these technologies to enhance patient outcomes and overall healthcare experiences. It explores the roles AI and mobile apps play in facilitating patient-centric healthcare and examines how the use of these technologies can promote personalized care, boost patient education and self-management, and improve communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Study on the Impact of Children's Economic Support on Social Participation of Urban and Rural Elderly People

With the acceleration of China's aging population and the significant problem of fewer children, this study aims to explore the phenomenon of neglecting the social participation status of the elderly. To this end, the 2018 China Health and Elderly Care Tracking Survey was adopted. Using CHARLS data and STATA data analysis method to study the impact of children's economic support on the social participation of elderly people. The research results indicate that children's economic support has a significant positive impact on the social participation of the elderly, and this result is tested for endogeneity and robustness. The heterogeneity test between urban and rural areas shows that the positive impact of children's economic support on social participation of rural elderly is higher than that of urban elderly; Gender heterogeneity test shows that children's economic support has a positive impact on female social participation. Research has found that female participation has a higher positive impact than male participation. In addition, for elderly people who do not take care of their grandchildren, the economic support of their children has a significant negative impact on their social participation, while the positive impact on elderly people who take care of their grandchildren is not significant. The research in this article helps to clarify the actual impact of children's economic support on the social participation of the elderly, and improve the implementation effect of active aging policies.

Personalized special training follow-up application Cardiofit2

Mobile applications are preferred by many people due to the convenience they provide to users and their low cost. Mobile applications, which are widely used in many fields, also appear in many different forms in the field of fitness and health. Mobile application experts, who closely follow technological developments, update these applications periodically. Thus, with new training and nutrition recommendations provided to users, users are provided with easy access to technological developments as well as developments in sports. Mobile applications also aim to create a fitness and health routine for their users in daily life with the feedback they provide based on user preferences and motivating warnings to users. The fitness and health application we have developed called "Cardiofit2" also allows users to save their personal information and access personalized exercise programs created using this information. The application is designed to enable users to easily achieve their fitness goals with weekly exercise programs in the short and long term. It also aims to provide more comprehensive support to users with features such as exercise history, daily water consumption warnings, pedometer and smart watch integration. Cardiofit2 is an improvable platform that helps users gain healthy lifestyle habits with its aesthetic design and strong technical infrastructure. The application aims to guide users in achieving their fitness goals with its user-friendly interface, personalized exercise programs and health tracking features. It supports users' transition from a sedentary lifestyle to a healthier lifestyle with regular feedback and motivational alerts.

IoT based Health Tracking System

IoT based Health Tracking System

Internet of Things (IoT) System for Diagnosing Power Transformer Faults using the IEC 60076-1 Standard: Review

The evaluation of Internet of Things (IoT), which are contracted to research the adoption or acceptance of IoT technology, is deemed to be a subject of vital importance. Studying the adoption or admissibility of IoT technology is not a brand-new study area, and numerous scholars have undertaken the task. The current and upcoming generations of Internet are being shaped by the Internet of Things (IoT). The main aim of this survey, contrasted with previous surveys, is to systematically evaluate the IoT technology research in condition monitoring of power transformers to proffer a thorough cursor that can facilitate scholars to accomplish additional research in IoT acceptance. Almost all appliances may now be remotely monitored and connected to the internet thanks to the Internet of Things. Power transformers play a crucial role in electrical distribution networks, and their reliable operation is paramount. The existing diagnostic tests outlined in the IEC 60076-1 standard are essential for ensuring transformer health but suffer from manual procedures, leaving them susceptible to human error. This traditional method not only introduces the potential for inaccuracies due to human involvement but also incurs significant operational costs and delays. The need to physically dispatch technicians to transformer sites for routine diagnostics hampers timely fault detection and preventive maintenance. Therefore, there exists a pressing need to modernize and enhance the diagnostic procedures by integrating emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT). This paper will review the most recent techniques for transformer health tracking system using IoT and highlight the contemporary approaches. A total of 50 primary research literature that was published between 2018 and 2024 were surveyed in this review paper.

Remote Wearable Neuroimaging Devices for Health Monitoring and Neurophenotyping: A Scoping Review.

Digital health tracking is a source of valuable insights for public health research and consumer health technology. The brain is the most complex organ, containing information about psychophysical and physiological biomarkers that correlate with health. Specifically, recent developments in electroencephalogram (EEG), functional near-infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS), and photoplethysmography (PPG) technologies have allowed the development of devices that can remotely monitor changes in brain activity. The inclusion criteria for the papers in this review encompassed studies on self-applied, remote, non-invasive neuroimaging techniques (EEG, fNIRS, or PPG) within healthcare applications. A total of 23 papers were reviewed, comprising 17 on using EEGs for remote monitoring and 6 on neurofeedback interventions, while no papers were found related to fNIRS and PPG. This review reveals that previous studies have leveraged mobile EEG devices for remote monitoring across the mental health, neurological, and sleep domains, as well as for delivering neurofeedback interventions. With headsets and ear-EEG devices being the most common, studies found mobile devices feasible for implementation in study protocols while providing reliable signal quality. Moderate to substantial agreement overall between remote and clinical-grade EEGs was found using statistical tests. The results highlight the promise of portable brain-imaging devices with regard to continuously evaluating patients in natural settings, though further validation and usability enhancements are needed as this technology develops.