The applications, capabilities, and limitations of wearable technology
Wearable technology is dominating the world of fitness and health. Whether it’s through Apple Watches, Fitbits, or even smart jewelry rings, tracking physical activity has never been easier. These devices are appealing to users of all ages, from older individuals monitoring vital signs to professional athletes hoping to improve their training regimens (1). As these devices become a staple of health and wellness, it is important to understand their capabilities—and limitations.
The technology has taken the world of sports by storm, opening doors for new levels of fitness monitoring, injury prevention, and training strategy (2). Devices primarily worn on the wrist, chest, hip, and arm include many features that can revolutionize training when tailored to specific sports (3, 2). Features such as GPS tracking allow coaches to understand athletes’ speed and movement patterns, which can be used in sports like soccer to optimize strategy. Heart rate monitors that track cardiovascular performance provide insight on users’ exertion levels and recovery rates, helping tailor training programs to avoid overexertion or injury. In sports requiring quick changes in direction, such as tennis, motion sensors and accelerometers measure agility, responsiveness, and athletes’ velocity (4). Devices that initially began as simple biometric monitors have evolved to improve training safety, athletic performance, and coaching (2).
Wearable technology can change the way athletes and coaches train. https://www.sportsmith.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Thumbnail-scaled.jpg
However, wearable technology has caught the attention of more than just the world of sports. With increased attention on this popular technology comes increased misinformation. Are these wearable devices real medical devices or simply wellness tools (3)?
Overwhelmed by the data their smart devices provide, users often fail to recognize which features can truly be classified as “medical.” In Apple products (specifically the Series 7 Apple Watch), the Blood Oxygen measurements are designed for “general fitness and wellness purposes,” while the electrocardiogram (ECG) feature is an approved medical device that can flag users that show signs of AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat (3). Wearable devices often use photoplethysmography (PPG), a technology that measures blood flow and analyzes irregularities, to identify users experiencing AFib. AFib is often a “silent disease,” which is treated best when diagnosed early before causing stroke, systemic embolism, or even death. This medical feature in the Apple Watch had to be approved by the FDA before receiving its “medical” distinction, while other features of the watch, such as Blood Oxygen measurements, did not require similar approval. It is important for users to understand this subtle distinction when interpreting data provided by their wearable device (3).
Smart watches have made health data easily accessible on demand. https://builtin.com/sites/www.builtin.com/files/styles/og/public/2022-09/wearables.jpg
Due to the rapid development of wearable tech, users have been led to quickly trust the accuracy and validity of these devices (1). The rapid pace of development has made it so that thorough clinical trials on the devices’ accuracy cannot be completed in time before newer models are released (5). Wearable technology has shown both positive and negative results in completed trials. In the domains of heart rate monitoring and cardiorespiratory fitness, wearable technology proves to be quite accurate. However, in regards to energy expenditure (active calories burned) and sleep tracking, the devices often show high error margins in comparison to their medical counterparts (5). Additionally, the increased usage risks an overreliance on technology, giving individuals a false sense of security in their health. It also creates ethical concerns over data privacy, risking GPS or personal data breaches (3).
As wearable technology becomes embedded in both athletic and everyday attire, it is important to consume data carefully. With a necessary increase in transparency in technology development companies as well as education on the medical and wellness components of devices, wearable technology has the ability to revolutionize the world of personal health and wellbeing.
Sources:
- Shei RJ, Holder IG, Oumsang AS, Paris BA, Paris HL. (2022, April 21). Wearable activity trackers-advanced technology or advanced marketing? Eur J Appl Physiol. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9022022/
- Cole, B. (2023, April 14). How Wearable Tech Impacts Performance. Sports Medicine Weekly. Retrieved from https://sportsmedicineweekly.com/fitness/how-wearable-tech-impacts-performance/.
- Scheid JL, Reed JL, West SL. (2023, June 27). Commentary: Is Wearable Fitness Technology a Medically Approved Device? Yes and No. Int J Environ Res Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10341580/#:~:text=PPG%20is%20the%20technology%20in,the%20user%20is%20experiencing%20AFib
- (2024, June 27). Wearable Technology in Sports. Catapult. Retrieved from https://www.catapult.com/blog/wearable-technology-in-sports#:~:text=Wearable%20technology%20in%20sports%20refers,and%20motion%20sensors%2C%20among%20others
- Doherty, C. (2024, August 20). How accurate are wearable fitness trackers? Less than you might think. The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/how-accurate-are-wearable-fitness-trackers-less-than-you-might-think-236462