Science & Research
Grounded in science, driven by research
Our approach to combining clinical research, innovative technology, and user feedback is helping us create the most scientifically validated smart ring.
Our research-driven approach to innovation
At Oura, we develop cutting-edge sensing technology that exceeds the highest scientific standards and pursue original discoveries that deepen the understanding of human health.
30+ PhDs
across our data science, engineering, and health science research teams
130+
peer-review publications contributing to advancing science
10+ Years
of research and innovation
14
active collaborations with academic and clinical institutes worldwide
Unparalleled accuracy
Research-Grade Sensors
Oura Ring is powered by sensors that adapt to your unique physiology — delivering accurate, continuous data, day and night.
- Red and infrared LEDs measure blood oxygen levels while you sleep
- Green and infrared LEDs alternate to measure heart rate and heart rate variability 24/7 and respiration rate during sleep
- Negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor tracks temperature trends
- 3D Accelerometer tracks movement and activity 24/7
99%
Heart Rate Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
98%
Heart Rate Variability Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
94%
Ovulation Detection Accuracy
Compared to ovulation prediction kits
79%
Sleep Tracking Accuracy
Compared to clinical polysomnography at 83%2
99%
Heart Rate Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
98%
Heart Rate Variability Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
94%
Ovulation Detection Accuracy
Compared to ovulation prediction kits
79%
Sleep Tracking Accuracy
Compared to clinical polysomnography at 83%2
99%
Heart Rate Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
98%
Heart Rate Variability Accuracy
r² compared to ECG21
94%
Ovulation Detection Accuracy
Compared to ovulation prediction kits
79%
Sleep Tracking Accuracy
Compared to clinical polysomnography at 83%2
Independently validated sensors
Oura Ring's sensing capabilities have been independently validated in several peer-reviewed publications, including the Journal of Medical Internet Research, Sensors, and Sleep Medicine.
What does Oura Ring measure?
Sleep and Rest
Providing insights on metrics such as:
- Sleep timing and quality
- Nighttime movement
- Sleep regularity
- Sleep stages
- Sp02
Activity and Fitness
Oura Ring measures:
- Calories burned
- Step count
- Activity level
- Distance
- Average pace
- Average heart rate
Women's Health
Providing insights on metrics such as:
- Temperature trends
- Fertile window
- Cycle day
- Cycle phase
- Period prediction
Sleep and Rest
Providing insights on metrics such as:
- Sleep timing and quality
- Nighttime movement
- Sleep regularity
- Sleep stages
- Sp02
Activity and Fitness
Oura Ring measures:
- Calories burned
- Step count
- Activity level
- Distance
- Average pace
- Average heart rate
Women's Health
Providing insights on metrics such as:
- Temperature trends
- Fertile window
- Cycle day
- Cycle phase
- Period prediction
Powering research published in over 130 peer-reviewed publications
Top researchers and institutions use Oura Ring in their research to improve public health.
Physiological Data Collected from Wearable Devices Identify and Predict Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flares
Biometrics of Complete Human Pregnancy Recorded by Wearable Devices
Effects of Fluid Intake on Sleep Duration and Quality Among Healthy Adults
Exploring the Potential of a Smart Ring to Predict Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery Patients
Predicting Stress in First-year College Students Using Sleep Data from Wearable Devices
Elevated Body Temperature is Associated with Depressive Symptoms: Results from the TemPredict Study
Researchers have used Oura Ring to study cycle and ovulation regularity, the association between body temperature and depression, and more.
A study collected data to inform numerous Oura algorithms, including Daytime and Workout Heart Rate, Automatic Activity Detection, and Daytime Heart Rate Variability.
A large-scale research effort using Oura Ring data to retrospectively analyze 10,000 pregnancies, advancing public understanding of pregnancy-related conditions and identifying potential warning signs of complications.
The National University of Singapore found Oura Ring to be the most accurate consumer wearable for sleep tracking among the devices studied.
A groundbreaking collaboration between Oura, Duke University, Google Fitbit, UNC-Chapel Hill, and other leading organizations to explore how physiological and behavioral data from wearable devices can help identify early signs of opioid relapse.
Data was collected and used in developing and validating the newest version of Oura Ring's sleep staging algorithm as well as Oura Ring's blood oxygen sensing (SpO2) feature.
Highlights from Oura-led research
Featured Study
Oura Launches First Clinical Trial to Measure AI Advisor's Ability to Promote Cardiovascular Health
Read MoreCountry Differences in Nocturnal Sleep Variability: Observations from a Large-scale, Long-term Sleep Wearable Study
Predicting Labor Onset Relative to the Estimated Date of Delivery Using Smart Ring Physiological Data
Feasibility of Measuring Physiological Responses to Breakthrough Infections and COVID-19 Vaccine Using a Wearable Sensor
Meet the Oura Medical Advisors
Oura has partnered with renowned medical experts at the forefront of their respective fields. They help Oura develop features with accurate, leading-edge health science that meets the diverse needs of people worldwide.
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Phd
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Associate Scientist, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Phd
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Associate Scientist, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Dr. Jake Deutsch, MD
Board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Jake Deutsch, MD
Board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr. Elissa Epel, Phd
Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Aging Metabolism Emotions Center at the University of California San Francisco
Dr. Elissa Epel, Phd
Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Director of the Aging Metabolism Emotions Center at the University of California San Francisco
Dr. Eleni Jaswa, MD, MSc, FACOG
Board-certified ObGyn Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist at the University of California San Francisco
Dr. Eleni Jaswa, MD, MSc, FACOG
Board-certified ObGyn Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist at the University of California San Francisco
Jagmeet P. Singh MD ScM DPhil
Jag Singh is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Jagmeet P. Singh MD ScM DPhil
Jag Singh is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
Michael WL Chee, MBBS, FRCP (Edin)
Professor and Director, Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Michael WL Chee, MBBS, FRCP (Edin)
Professor and Director, Centre for Sleep and Cognition, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Accelerate your research with the power of Oura
Work with us on future clinical studies.