NCT04772170 · National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Observational Digital Biomarker Discovery in Respiratory Virus Challenge Studies
What this study is about
Background: Respiratory viruses circulate throughout the year and around the globe. Wearable and sensor devices, like smartwatches, may be able to help monitor infectious diseases. Researchers want to use them to learn how respiratory viruses affect people in different ways.
View original scientific description
Background: Respiratory viruses circulate throughout the year and around the globe. Wearable and sensor devices, like smartwatches, may be able to help monitor infectious diseases. Researchers want to use them to learn how respiratory viruses affect people in different ways. Objective: To use digital devices to collect data from participants in challenge studies that could indicate subtle changes in health during an infection that might otherwise go unnoticed. Eligibility: Healthy adults who have enrolled, were recently enrolled, or are scheduled to enroll in a challenge study. Design: Participants will stay at NIH for the duration of the challenge study (at least 9 days) and then will have outpatient follow-up visits (2-4). While at NIH, participants will wear a smartwatch at all times. It will record data like temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and movements. Participants will have a smartphone that records at all times to listen for coughing and changes in voice. Participants will perform tasks every 4 hours during the daytime. They will record themselves coughing, breathing in deeply, and reading aloud. They will take videos of their face. They will play a game to test their reflexes and focus. They will measure their head temperature with their smartwatch. For outpatient visits, participants will use one smartphone and the smartwatch to complete the above tasks. Participants will be sent a smartwatch to wear at home at night to collect additional healthy data. Participation will last the duration of each challenge study, and may range from 10 weeks to 2 years.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Able to provide informed consent.
- Current, recent, or planned enrollment in a respiratory virus challenge study at the NIH Clinical Center.
- Willing to wear devices as instructed.
- Willing to participate in monitoring activities as instructed.
- Willing to have monitoring data stored.
- Willing to have monitoring data shared with protocol investigators at NIH, University of Washington, and University of Toronto.
- Willing to have select clinical data from the challenge study such as vital signs, viral shedding, pulmonary function test and/or spirometry results, and clinical symptoms data shared with investigators at University of Washington and University of Toronto.
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1\. Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, contraindicates participation in this study. Co-enrollment guidelines: Participants must be co-enrolled, planned for co-enrollment, or recently enrolled in a challenge study. Co-enrollment in other studies is restricted but may take place after study staff notification and only with approval of the principal investigator or designee.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations