OURA Ring Wearable Testing in MDS Patients: a Feasibility and Discovery Pilot Study
This study looks at how easy it is for adults with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) to use a smart ring called the OURA ring. The ring tracks health information like sleep and activity. Patients will wear the ring for three months and regularly upload their health data. During this time, they'll also answer questions about their quality of life. Researchers want to see if most patients can wear the ring for at least 70% of the time and if the ring's data gives useful insights into their health and well-being. This information could help doctors understand how wearable technology might support MDS patients in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into how useful a special smart ring, called the OURA ring, can be for people living with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). MDS are conditions where your body doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells. The main idea of the study is to see if it's practical and easy for MDS patients to wear this ring regularly and use it to track their health information.
Researchers will ask 60 adult patients with MDS to wear an OURA ring for three months. The ring collects data day and night, including things like sleep, activity, and heart rate. Alongside wearing the ring, patients will also fill out questionnaires about their well-being and quality of life. The study aims to discover if the information from the ring can give doctors a better understanding of how patients are feeling and whether it could help manage their care in the future.
This is a 'pilot study', which means it's a first step to see if this approach works before planning larger studies. Learning whether the OURA ring is easy for patients to use and if its data is meaningful will help determine if this kind of technology could become a helpful tool for people with MDS.
Key takeaways
- This study explores using a smart ring (OURA ring) for people with MDS.
- It aims to see how easy the ring is to use and if its data is helpful.
- Participation involves wearing a ring, using a smartphone app, and filling out questionnaires for three months.
- It's a pilot study to guide future research into wearable technology for MDS.
- You would contribute to understanding how technology can support health monitoring.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and have received a diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). You should be comfortable wearing the OURA ring and using its app on a smartphone. Also, you'll need to be able to read, write, and speak English or French, or have access to a translator if needed.
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your overall health and ability to do daily tasks are severely affected (rated as ECOG score over 3), or if you have memory or physical problems that would make it difficult to use the ring and smartphone app, then this study might not be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)?
- Are you able to wear a ring comfortably and use a smartphone app?
- Can you read, write, and speak English or French (or have a translator)?
- Are you generally able to do most daily activities without significant difficulty?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first be given a kit to find your correct OURA ring size. At your first visit (called 'week 0'), you'll receive your OURA ring, and the study team will help you set up the app on your smartphone and teach you how to use it. They'll also do a health check-up, including weighing you, taking your blood pressure, and a simple walking test. You'll also fill out some questionnaires about your daily life and how you're feeling.
For the next three months, you'll wear the OURA ring and, once a week, you'll need to sync its data to your smartphone. You'll also have forms to fill in at home daily, noting any significant events and your energy levels. Once a week, you'll complete some short questionnaires. You'll have follow-up appointments at month 1 and month 2 to discuss how you're doing and any health changes.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Research CentreVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is MDS?
MDS stands for Myelodysplastic Syndromes, which are conditions where your bone marrow doesn't make enough healthy blood cells.
What is an OURA ring?
The OURA ring is a smart ring that you wear on your finger. It tracks various health information like your sleep, activity levels, and heart rate.
How long will I need to wear the ring?
You will be asked to wear the OURA ring for three months as part of the study.
Do I need a smartphone to participate?
Yes, you need a smartphone to use the OURA app and to sync the ring's data for the study.
Will I get to keep the OURA ring?
The information provided does not specify if participants get to keep the ring after the study. This is a good question to ask the study team.
How to find out more
Dr. Rena Buckstein, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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