Clinical Report: Digital Biomarkers and Fatigue in Chronic Illnesses
Overview
This systematic review analyzed 50 studies involving 5573 participants across 15 chronic disease domains to explore the relationship between wearable device-measured digital biomarkers and fatigue. Key findings indicate that reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behavior, and autonomic dysfunction correlate with fatigue levels, though associations vary by disease.
Background
Fatigue is a common, debilitating symptom in many chronic diseases, significantly impairing quality of life and daily functioning. It is multifaceted and subjective, complicating its measurement and management. Wearable technologies enable objective, continuous monitoring of physiological and behavioral digital biomarkers, offering new avenues to assess fatigue in chronic illness populations. Combining digital biomarkers with self-reported fatigue measures may enhance personalized fatigue management.
Reduced physical activity levels, including decreased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, are consistently associated with higher fatigue across multiple chronic diseases.
Increased sedentary behavior correlates with greater fatigue severity in chronic illness populations.
Autonomic dysfunction, as measured by heart rate variability and other physiological digital biomarkers, is linked to fatigue levels.
The strength and specific digital biomarkers associated with fatigue vary by disease, indicating disease-specific fatigue profiles.
Wearable devices provide objective, continuous, and non-invasive measurement of fatigue-related digital biomarkers, complementing subjective fatigue assessments.
Integration of digital biomarkers with self-reported fatigue can enhance personalized fatigue management strategies.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider incorporating wearable device data to objectively monitor fatigue-related digital biomarkers in patients with chronic diseases. Understanding disease-specific digital biomarker profiles can guide tailored interventions to manage fatigue more effectively. Continuous remote monitoring may facilitate timely adjustments in treatment and improve patient quality of life.
Conclusion
Digital biomarkers measured via wearable devices offer valuable, objective insights into fatigue across diverse chronic illnesses. Their integration with patient-reported outcomes holds promise for advancing personalized fatigue management and improving clinical care.
References
Systematic Review (2024) -- Comprehensive Analysis of Digital Biomarkers Indicating Fatigue in Chronic Illnesses
