HITLAB Team • February 13, 2024
In the ever-growing world of wearable tech, Hexoskin has become a leader in the field of wearable tech. The brainchild of co-founders Pierre-Alexandre Fournier and Jean-François Roy, Hexoskin was founded in 2006 and quickly obtained status as a key player in the global market with its smart clothing designed to monitor users’ health and fitness. Functionally, the sensors built into the Hexoskin garments provide multiple datapoints for users including heart rate zones, breathing rate, minute ventilation, heart rate max, resting heart rate, recovery rate, VO2 max, and cadence. Recently, the company has partnered with HITLAB to expand its digital health footprint.
Hexoskin’s devices have been well-received in the scientific and medical communities, playing a crucial role in clinical studies monitoring patients having chronic illnesses, including congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Early detection and prevention are vital to individuals with these conditions, and Hexoskin’s 24-hour uninterrupted monitoring has the potential to contribute significantly to health outcomes. Additionally, Hexoskin has been used in upwards of 200 scientific publications. Most recently, a feasibility study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found, as previous studies have, “a strong correlation” in accuracy for measurement of heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR). Through the incorporation of the non-invasive sensors, collected data has given users a picture of their insight into their unique physiological state.
Hexoskin’s Connected Health Platform, an advanced data management and analysis system, allows data to transfer via local and remote servers to a dedicated mobile app or cloud platform, which features user-friendly interfaces to easily visualize and translate the synced information. Users of Hexoskin can take autonomy of their health and fitness by setting personal goals, tracking trends, and sharing this information with their physicians, promoting better-informed decisions on their health and fitness journey.
Using this foundation, Hexoskin has expanded its impact to environments beyond the earth’s atmosphere. In 2011, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, Hexoskin successfully demonstrated interoperability during space flight through launch, the suborbital microgravity environment, and space craft landing. Since its first space flight, consumer availability of the washable technologically advanced wearables has increased. However, the barrier toward access remains high – approximately $200 as of November 2023 – demonstrating the need for continued development toward more affordable methods in digital health.
In summary, Hexoskin stands out as a prominent player in the field of wearable health technology. Its cutting-edge solutions for physiological monitoring from data analysis to medical research underscore its capacity to drive forward digital healthcare. While cost and complexity may pose limitations, the company’s dedication to innovation in pursuit of better health and fitness is evident.
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