Conception and evaluation of a washable multimodal smart textile

Smart textiles can support people with specific needs and diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease. Currently there are efforts to combine continuous mobile monitoring with other health-related conditions. On this basis, algorithms could be developed that can be used to detect unusual or critical conditions. A study was to investigate whether a previously developed washable Multi-Modal Smart Textile (MMST), based on inexpensive materials, would provide valid and reliable results with regard to the vital parameters of pulse, temperature and mobility. The measurement of the vital parameters was carried out with the developed prototype MMST as well as with validated devices. All electronics including the rechargeable NiMH has been washed more than 30 times with different methods and it remained fully functional. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for pulse (temperature) measurement ranged between 0.036 and 0.232 (0.077 and 0.817) depending on the activity of the tested individuals (standing, sitting, lying down, moving). Cohen’s Kappa for the detection of the body position was 0.765. For the parameter of pulse, the results indicated an insufficient derivation for both validity and reliability. Due to flaws in the methodology applied, the validly and reliably for the parameter of temperature could not be determined. Valid and reliable results were obtained for the parameter mobility/change of position. If the MMST (after modification of the prototype) achieves reliable results, there are many advantages for people giving and receiving care on a budget price, even in threatening emergency situations.