NBA Players to Wear 'Smart-Tech Ring' to Detect COVID-19 Symptoms, But Doctors Doubt Its Potential
The National Basketball Association (NBA) recently allowed its players to wear the smart-tech ring that may detect symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as the season resumes next month in Orlando.
However, some doctors doubted the ring's potential.
In a memo released by the NBA, players will have an option to wear a smart-tech ring made by Oura Health that could help detect the early symptoms of COVID-19, according to a published article in CBS News.
The NBA is targeting to resume their season in late July and is planning to play the whole season at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
As the season recommences, stringent measures will be observed and implemented to avoid the spread of the virus.
But some doctors have expressed concern that the ring may show inaccurate statistics as the company failed to provide sufficient data to prove its claim.
Claims of Oura Health
On the official website of the Finland-based company Oura, it said that the ring is distinct compared to other wearable devices because it tracks signals in the body, even when the user is sleeping.
The ring also delivers critical insights of a person's body temperature.
Additionally, the company also claimed that the ring monitors physiological data such as breathing and heart patterns.
They also touted that the digital platform designed for early detection of COVID-19 was created in partnership with the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and WVU Medicine.
Why Doctors Doubt the Ring's Potential
According to Dr. Darria Long, an emergency room doctor and clinical assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, said there was not enough data on the ring's potential to detect COVID-19 symptoms.
She noted that there were studies published about the ring, but these were all conducted by the device manufacturers.
CNN also tried to contact other doctors and asked them to comment about the Oura.
But doctors who were contacted could not give any statement because of lack of reliable information about the device.
This means Oura still needs to prove the device's accuracy in providing accurate reports such as body temperature, breathing, and heart rates.
Medical Advice From Doctors
Meanwhile, some doctors said the NBA can still practice the highest form of hygiene as the season begins on July 30.
According to Long, COVID-19 measures like proper hygiene, sanitation, regular testing, and even a face mask should not be replaced by merely wearing the ring.
She said a player must not stop wearing a face mask or even downplaying the virus only because he is wearing the device.
Moreover, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve the use of Oura device to monitor a person's health.
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