New Wearable Hydration Patch Could Transform Athlete Safety

A new collaboration between Georgia Southern University and the Georgia Institute of Technology could soon change how Athletic Trainers monitor hydration and heat safety in athletes. The two universities are developing a soft, wearable patch designed to track hydration levels in real time, part of a broader push to enhance athlete safety and performance.

Georgia already ranks first nationally in preventing heat-related illness and death among athletes, and researchers hope this innovation will build on that success.

The patch, created with embedded sensors, transmits physiological signals such as heat stress and metabolic rates via Bluetooth directly to the sideline. This allows Athletic Trainers to receive immediate feedback rather than relying on delayed methods like urine testing or weigh-ins. According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association:

“During intense exercise in the heat, the risk of dehydration and subsequent negative influences on performance and safety risks are increased due to the exacerbation of thermoregulatory and cardiovascular strain.”

Georgia Southern’s football program played a key role in testing the device during the fall of 2025.

“We are always looking for ways to keep our athletes safe and able to perform at their best,” said head football Athletic Trainer Nick Sparacio. “This sensor can give us data about cardiac rhythm, sweat loss, temperature and physical movement. The old adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ is especially true in athletics.”

Players reported the patch was comfortable and unobtrusive.

“Putting the patch on took five minutes max,” said freshman quarterback Weston Bryan. “Once I took the field, I completely forgot about it.”

Researchers continue refining the technology, hoping to improve accuracy and size.

“I think it has the potential to be a major step forward in athlete safety,” said Vishakha Rawool, Ph.D.

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