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The purpose of this study was to compare a wearable microfluidic device and standard absorbent patch in measuring local sweating rate (LSR) and sweat chloride concentration ([Cl−]) in elite basketball players. Participants were 53 male basketball players (25 ± 3 years, 92.2 ± 10.4 kg) in the National Basketball Association's development league. Players were tested during a moderate-intensity, coach-led practice (98 ± 30 min, 21.0 ± 1.2 °C). From the right ventral forearm, sweat was collected using an absorbent patch (3M Tegaderm™ + Pad). Subsequently, LSR and local sweat [Cl−] were determined via gravimetry and ion chromatography. From the left ventral forearm, LSR and local sweat [Cl−] were measured using a wearable microfluidic device and associated smartphone application-based algorithms. Whole-body sweating rate (WBSR) was determined from pre- to postexercise change in body mass corrected for fluid/food intake (ad libitum), urine loss, and estimated respiratory water and metabolic mass loss. The WBSR values predicted by the algorithms in the smartphone application were also recorded. There were no differences between the absorbent patch and microfluidic patch for LSR (1.25 ± 0.91 mg·cm−2·min−1 vs. 1.14 ±0.78 mg·cm−2·min−1, p =.34) or local sweat [Cl−] (30.6 ± 17.3 mmol/L vs. 29.6 ± 19.4 mmol/L, p =.55). There was no difference between measured and predicted WBSR (0.97 ± 0.41 L/hr vs. 0.89 ± 0.35 L/hr, p =.22; 95% limits of agreement = 0.61 L/hr). The wearable microfluidic device provides similar LSR, local sweat [Cl−], and WBSR results compared with standard field-based methods in elite male basketball players during moderate-intensity practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously published equations to estimate whole‐body (WB) sweat sodium concentration ([Na+]) from regional (REG) measures; however, a cross‐validation is needed to corroborate the applicability of these prediction equations between studies. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of published equations in predicting WB sweat [Na+] from REG measures when applied to a new data set. Forty‐nine participants (34 men, 15 women; 75 ± 12 kg) cycled for 90 min while WB sweat [Na+] was measured using the washdown technique. REG sweat [Na+] was measured from seven regions using absorbent patches (3M Tegaderm + Pad). Published equations were applied to REG sweat [Na+] to determine predicted WB sweat [Na+]. Bland–Altman analysis of mean bias (raw and predicted minus measured) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were used to compare raw (uncorrected) REG sweat [Na+] and predicted WB sweat [Na+] to measured WB sweat [Na+]. Mean bias (±95% LOA) between raw REG sweat [Na+] and measured WB sweat [Na+] was 10(±20), 0(±19), 9(±20), 22(±25), 23(±24), 0(±15), −4(±18) mmol/L for the dorsal forearm, ventral forearm, upper arm, chest, upper back, thigh, and calf, respectively. The mean bias (±95% LOA) between predicted WB sweat [Na+] and measured WB sweat [Na+] was 3(±14), 4(±12), 0(±14), 2(±17), −2(±16), 5(±13), 4(±15) mmol/L for the dorsal forearm, ventral forearm, upper arm, chest, upper back, thigh, and calf, respectively. Prediction equations improve the accuracy of estimating WB sweat [Na+] from REG and are therefore recommended for use when determining individualized sweat electrolyte losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the use of skin-interfaced wearable microfluidic device and smartphone image processing platform to analyze regional sweating rate and sweat chloride concentration (CI-) for sports science applications. The aim is to determine the correct time and amount of personalized fluid-electrolyte intake of athletes participating in competitive sports to maintain their proper hydration and electrolyte balance.