At Danone Research & Innovation, we are dedicated to pioneering advancements in digital health, particularly in the field of muscle and frailty care. This latest innovation, the Muscle Tracker tool, exemplifies our commitment to enhancing health outcomes through cutting-edge technology.
The story behind the tool
During a pilot study conducted in the Netherlands, our Digital Health team in close partnership with UniWeb.health explored the capabilities of a Danone-tailored patient app and healthcare provider platform, focusing on frailty. “UniWeb’s Eforto solution is designed to deliver valuable insights into people’s health. The collaboration with Danone R&I provides a unique opportunity to scale our impact and extend our global reach,” says Rudi Tielemans, CEO & Founder of UniWeb BV. This pilot revealed significant interest and potential value for other health areas, including healthy aging, diabetes, and oncology.
How it works
The Muscle Tracker tool measures two essential biomarkers: maximal grip strength and muscle fatigability. These simple hand measurements are strong predictors of overall body muscle health and are crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life. The device is portable, lightweight, Bluetooth-connected, and validated for accuracy, making it a powerful tool in health monitoring.
Impact and future steps
Following the successful pilot study, our next phase involves a medical nutrition intervention study to further validate and demonstrate the benefits of the Muscle Tracker. This tool not only supports research and innovation activities but also helps increase initiation, adherence, and retention in health programs.
“Maximal muscle strength and muscle fatigability play a key role in maintaining independence and quality of life,” says Etienne Grassére, Digital Health Project Manager. “By developing this digital health solution, we are making the invisible visible and enabling data-driven decisions for both research and healthcare providers.”
Scouting new digital health tools at an early stage is essential for us. The Muscle Tracker has the potential to transform therapeutic areas such as frailty, oncology, and aging-related conditions by making clinical study improvements measurable and visible.
For more detailed insights, visit https://www.eforto.health/.