Evaluation of sweat-based biomarkers using wearable biosensors for monitoring stress and fatigue: a systematic review

Jie Ma, Heng Li, Shahnawaz Anwer*, Waleed Umer, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-Afari, Eric Bo Xiao

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives. This systematic review aims to report the evaluation of wearable biosensors for the real-time measurement of stress and fatigue using sweat biomarkers.
Methods. A thorough search of the literature was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science and IEEE. A three-step approach for selecting research articles was developed and implemented.
Results. Based on a systematic search, a total of 17 articles were included in this review. Lactate, cortisol, glucose and electrolytes were identified as sweat biomarkers. Sweat-based biomarkers are frequently monitored in real time using potentiometric and amperometric biosensors. Wearable biosensors such as an epidermal patch or a sweatband have been widely validated in scientific literature.
Conclusions. Sweat is an important biofluid for monitoring general health, including stress and fatigue. It is becoming increasingly common to use biosensors that can measure a wide range of sweat biomarkers to detect fatigue during high-intensity work. Even though wearable biosensors have been validated for monitoring various sweat biomarkers, such biomarkers can only be used to assess stress and fatigue indirectly. In general, this study may serve as a driving force for academics and practitioners to broaden the use of wearable biosensors for the real-time assessment of stress and fatigue.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)677-703
Number of pages27
JournalInternational Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics
Volume30
Issue number3
Early online date6 Apr 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2024

Keywords

  • fatigue
  • stress
  • biomarkers
  • lactate
  • cortisol
  • sweat analysis

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