How Accurate Are Your Fitness Trackers?
Activity trackers offer exciting opportunities to better understand health and disease. However, their accuracy can vary — sensors may overestimate activity levels or misclassify sleep stages. This study aims to evaluate how well researchers can measure sleep patterns, physical activity, and heart rate using data collected from wearable sensors in real-life conditions.
Participants wanted — What does the study involve?
The Oxford Wearable Sensors Light, ECG, Activity and SleeP validation study — The OxSLEAP Study — is recruiting volunteers aged 18 to 30 years living in the Oxford area to help evaluate a range of devices.
If you choose participate, we will ask you to wear several devices across four nights and three days:
- Four activity trackers on different parts of the body (dominant wrist, non-dominant wrist, ankle, and thigh)
- A sleep sensor under your mattress to track your sleep quantity and quality
- A small video camera to help us understand the context of your activities
- A heart rate monitor on your chest to measure your heart rate
We will also conduct a one-night sleep study (polysomnography) in your home to monitor your brain waves while you sleep. A research team member will collect the sleep study equipment the following morning. This study is designed to be convenient for you — no need to visit our research offices. We will deliver and set up all devices during a home visit. After the study, devices will either be collected by courier or you may return them using pre-paid packaging. You will be compensated for your time and effort for taking part.
Why It Matters
- Help shape the future of wearable technology
- Support innovations that benefit everyone
- Advance research for smarter and more reliable health tracking
Who can participate?
We are looking for volunteers living in Oxford aged 18 – 30 years.
Get Involved Today
Ready to make a real impact? Join the OxSLEAP Study and help advance wearable technology research. Contact the OxSLEAP Team now or secure your spot by completing this quick registration form. quick registration form. Your participation could shape the future of health tracking!
Ethics reference: MS IDREC 666038