Wear-and-Forget Electrocardiogram and Ventilation Sensor Suitable for Multi-day Use in Physically-Active Warfighters

Mini Mitter Co., Inc. will develop and field test an integrated physiological monitoring system providing the US Army with an innovative and cost-effective method for remote monitoring of heart rate and ventilation of soldiers in the field. Our telemetricsystem will also allow for future sensors such as drinking, physical activity, stepping, and sleep monitoring. The lightweight, unobtrusive heart rate and respiration rate sensor and its packaging are derived from Mini Mitter's proprietary heart ratemonitor. The sensor will function under stress of harsh, physical activity, heat, and sweat and operate for at least 72 hours. A body-worn monitor will identify individual sensor transmissions, will log their data for later analysis, and may communicatedata to the US Army's Warfighter Physiological Status Monitoring system. Phase II objectives are: (1) develop prototypes of the heart rate and respiration rate sensors and the monitor; (2) measure their performance parameters; (3) investigate sensor costreduction through integration; and (4) fully specify the system for commercial development during Phase III. Mini Mitter's unique combination of experienced physiologists and strong engineering staff is an optimal environment for this project, providingthe scientific and technical expertise to successfully design this system.Mini Mitter has identified at least five market segments that will benefit from the development of an Integrated Telemetric Physiological Monitoring System. These segments includeMilitary Operations, Medical Research, Hospital Operations, Alternative Care Sites including at-home monitoring, and Industrial Heat Stress (i.e. workers exposed to hot working environments, firefighters, etc.). Benefits of developing this technologyinclude: (a) scientific research to evaluate the effects of physiological stress on physical performance; (b) improving the guidelines for troop training regimens; and (c) monitoring of the soldier's physiological data for evaluating the combat efficiency,mission readiness, and safety of troops. Mini Mitter envisions that this technology will apply directly to the US Army's Warfighter Physiologic Status Monitoring (WPSM) program.