Students of HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and Privolzhsky Research Medical University to Develop Self-Care App
Students from HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and Privolzhsky Research Medical University have received one million roubles in financial support for the development and testing of StressTouch, an innovative mobile application. The grant was allocated by the Innovation Promotion Foundation (Bortnik Foundation).
A team of students from HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod and Privolzhsky Research Medical University is developing an application for determining stress levels called StressTouch. The idea behind the invention originated a year ago. It is based on the photoplethysmogram technology.
A photoplethysmogram is a graphical representation of blood circulation obtained using optical methods. Simply put, it is a way to measure how blood moves through blood vessels using light. Typically, this is done by placing a sensor on the skin that emits light at a certain frequency. The light penetrates the skin and blood vessels, and is then reflected back and read by a sensor. This method is widely used in medicine, for example, to measure pulse or blood oxygen levels
StressTouch uses a smartphone’s flashlight to analyse blood circulation and other parameters in a finger placed on the screen. The application evaluates indicators such as changes in the filling of small vessels with blood, heart rhythm, and autonomic balance. Based on these data and statistics, the technology can determine the user’s current stress level and offer appropriate medical recommendations.
StressTouch is currently in the testing phase. Initial tests are being conducted among student volunteers. Plans are underway to launch the application for a wide audience next spring.
The project team includes 15 specialists from different fields: developers, medical experts, psychologists, and marketers. It is a multidisciplinary project at the intersection of medical and information technologies. The team’s plans include a transition from a B2C model of selling to ordinary consumers to a larger B2B model of providing services to businesses.
The application, previously known as Cardia, was not only a winner of the ‘From Education to Profession’ international hackathon in the field of digital medicine, but also received high praise from regional officials. The development team presented their project to the administration of the Nizhny Novgorod region, as well as to representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Digital Development and Communications. Officials noted that if successfully implemented, the project has every chance of becoming highly sought-after in the market.
‘One of the key advantages of StressTouch is the availability of in-depth statistics on the indicators of the cardiovascular system and autonomic nervous system. Tracking health indicators over time allows us to determine whether the user’s condition is improving,’ said Angelina Vershinina, project manager and research intern at the Laboratory of Theory and Practice of Decision-Making Support Systems at HSE University in Nizhny Novgorod.
Angelina Vershinina