Using smartphone technology to predict risks of complications after heart surgery

Preoperative Risk Prediction of Postoperative Complications for Elective Cardiac Surgery using At-home Smartphone Dynamometry

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11192921

This study is testing a new smartphone app that helps you check your hand grip strength at home, so doctors can better understand your fitness level before elective heart surgery and help you recover more safely.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11192921 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the safety of elective cardiac surgeries by developing a smartphone application that measures hand grip strength, a key indicator of a patient's physical fitness. By utilizing the phone's sensors, the app will allow patients to assess their grip strength at home, providing valuable data to healthcare providers. The goal is to identify patients at higher risk for complications before surgery, enabling better preoperative care and recovery strategies. This approach focuses on enhancing patient outcomes by addressing frailty and monitoring recovery through technology.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery who may be at risk due to frailty or other health concerns.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing elective cardiac surgery or those who are not able to use a smartphone may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer surgical procedures and improved recovery for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that measuring hand grip strength can effectively predict surgical outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be promising.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.