In response to the COVID19 pandemic, many Sport Technology companies made revisions in order to make a positive contribution to early illness detection and containment. This session will review how a few companies addressed the COVID19 pandemic and then review how the NBA used technology to help make the 2020 NBA Playoffs in the “bubble” as safe as possible.

TECHNOLOGY – A large scale COVID19 study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) reported that the Oura Ring temperature monitor could represent an effective tool for detecting fever and may facilitate early detector of illness. Apple has now introduced their Series 6 watch which includes a blood oxygen sensor. Apple has announced that they are partnering with researchers conducting the Seattle Flu Study and faculty form the University of Washington School of Medicine to better understand how frequent blood oxygenation monitoring may give insight into early detection of COVID19 and influenza. The US Army is now funding a study headed up by Elysian Labs to examine the efficacy of Polar wearables for early detection of COVID19.

Kinexon, known for using RFID technology to accurately track players during training and competition quickly pivoted their product offering to developed SafeZone, “… the first digital solution to protect employees and business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.”  Recently, IQVIA epidemiologist and University of North Carolina faculty Dr. Christina Mack published a scientific paper in partnership with the NFL, NFLPA and CDC showing effectiveness of the NFL 2020 Season COVID-19 protocols and explaining the role of KINEXON within contact tracing processes.

NBA BUBBLE – The primary objectives for those keeping the “NBA Bubble” safe was 1) prevent entry of COVID19 and 2) facilitate early detection and containment of COVID19.  Players underwent a rigorous testing and quarantine prior to entering into the NBA Bubble. Each morning players would fill out a health questionnaire and then use a smart thermometer (Kinsa) to measure oral temperature and a pulse oximeter (Masimo) to identify blood oxygenation values. All data were connected to a larger confidential database. Fusion Sport created a modified version of its Smartabase athlete management system which connected with the NBA MyHealth app. Oura Rings were made available to any athletes and staff that wanted one and produced a risk score to provide insights. Frequent COVID19 saliva-based tests were implemented based on NBA funded Yale research. A physical distance monitor was used to remind players and staff to stay 6ft apart and of course wearing masks were mandatory.