Hydrostasis has developed a wearable total body water status monitor that uses diffuse near-infrared spectroscopy to assess hydration in tissue up to 2 cm below the skin. The algorithm uses reflection, scattering, and absorption data to assess skin pigmentation, blood flow, fat content, and water content and calculate a personal hydration index that establishes an optimal hydration level and sends alerts to a mobile app and remote monitoring system when hydration levels deviate from that zone. Use of this device to monitor and promote proper hydration during Airman training, air travel, and deployment in arid, high-elevation, or physically demanding settings is expected to reduce the incidence of dehydration and overheating while improving cognitive and physical performance.
