SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 25, 2025 – Philips and Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc) are conducting one of the first large-scale studies to explore the impact of prolonged physical activity on atrial fibrillation, leveraging wearable monitoring technology during the 4Days Marches in the Netherlands. The collaboration combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge sensor technology to better understand how exercise influences this widespread heart rhythm disorder.
Continuous Monitoring for Deeper Insight into Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common yet often undetected cardiac arrhythmia, affects an estimated 59 million people worldwide. In the Netherlands alone, more than 400,000 individuals have been diagnosed with the condition, and it’s estimated that over 80,000 remain undiagnosed. Characterized by an irregular, rapid heartbeat, AF can lead to fatigue, palpitations, and increased risk of stroke or heart failure, making early detection a public health priority.
The current study involves 140 AF patients, 60 of whom are actively participating in the 4Days Marches while wearing the Philips ePatch—a discreet, wireless heart rhythm Holter monitor designed for continuous use. The project is part of the 17th 4Days Marches research initiative led by Radboudumc.
“We want to understand the effects of the training leading up to the 4Days Marches and participation in the event itself on atrial fibrillation,” says Maria Hopman, Professor of Physiology at Radboudumc. “It’s unique to be able to monitor walkers in this way, being able to evaluate 24 hours a day across multiple days and under physical stress.”
In addition to ePatch heart rhythm monitoring, the study includes analysis of participants’ blood pressure, body weight, and blood values, alongside self-reported questionnaires. Select participants also undergo echocardiograms during the march to assess cardiac responses to sustained exertion.
ePatch Technology Enhances Patient Comfort and Data Quality
The Philips ePatch represents a significant evolution in ambulatory heart monitoring. Roughly the size of half a matchbox, the wearable patch records heart rhythms continuously for up to five days—even during sleep, showers, and exercise. Unlike traditional Holter monitors, the ePatch eliminates wires and adhesive pads, offering a more comfortable, user-friendly experience for long-term monitoring.
“We are proud to support Radboudumc during the 4Days Marches in a study on the effect of walking on atrial fibrillation,” says Léon Kempeneers, Managing Director of Philips Benelux. “The ePatch is designed for long-term use and comfort, and we hope the participants will experience this. Our ePatch and AI-powered software can help diagnose people with heart rhythm disorders in a more pleasant and effective way. The ePatch and its software are already being used by several Dutch healthcare institutions.”
The data collected by the patch is rapidly processed and analyzed with artificial intelligence, ensuring fast, accurate insights for clinicians. This streamlined approach supports more efficient diagnostics and contributes to improved patient care pathways.
Expanded Research at the 4Days Marches Event
This year's 4Days Marches marks the 17th edition of the research program led by Radboudumc. Alongside the atrial fibrillation study, other health-related research is also underway, including investigations into how clothing color (white vs. black) and the use of caps affect body temperature during heatwaves. Professor Hopman and her team are based at the research center located near the start and finish lines in Nijmegen, providing real-time data collection and monitoring.
By integrating wearable health technology into a dynamic, real-world environment, Philips and Radboudumc are advancing the understanding of how lifestyle factors and physical activity affect chronic cardiac conditions. Their partnership demonstrates the growing value of digital health tools in preventive and diagnostic cardiology.
Learn more at www.philips.com.