Smart Bracelets for Physical Activity Monitoring: Real-Time Data for Pathology Detection
In the last decade, smart bracelets have revolutionized the way we monitor our physical activity and overall health. These devices, which initially gained popularity as fitness tools, have evolved into allies in pathology detection thanks to their ability to provide real-time data. The integration of advanced technologies in these devices allows not only for tracking basic parameters such as step count and heart rate but also for monitoring more complex variables that may indicate underlying medical conditions.
Diving into the Potential of Smart Bracelets
The use of smart bracelets for health monitoring has proven promising in various studies. For instance, a field study conducted in Living Labs demonstrated how these devices can be utilized for the early detection of diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea by extracting reliable biomarkers like heart rate variability (HRV) and core body temperature [1]. Furthermore, the capability of these devices to perform automated spatiotemporal monitoring of flu symptoms in real-time highlights their potential in disease outbreak surveillance.
In the realm of chronic diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, the integration of smartwatches with patients' electronic health records allows for continuous and accurate tracking of physical activity and heart rate variability. This approach not only enhances the patient experience but also facilitates the early detection of clinical deteriorations, which could reduce hospitalizations and improve precision medicine [2].
Moreover, in workplace settings, smart bracelets, combined with other technologies, have proven effective in enhancing safety and reducing accidents. A smart multisensory system can monitor workers' health in real-time, detecting anomalies such as falls or sudden changes in heart rate, and activating alarms to prevent incidents [3].
Conclusions
Smart bracelets have transcended their initial use as mere fitness devices to become valuable tools in physical activity monitoring and pathology detection. Their ability to provide real-time data and their integration with electronic health systems offer significant potential to improve healthcare and safety in various contexts. As technology continues to advance, we are likely to see an increase in the adoption of these tools in daily clinical practice, which could transform the way we manage the health and well-being of our patients.
Referencias
- [1] A Field Study to Capture Events of Interest (EoI) from Living Labs Using Wearables for Spatiotemporal Monitoring Towards a Framework of Smart Health (sHealth)
- [2] Continuous heart monitoring in patients with pulmonary hypertension smartwatches and direct transmission to their electronic health records: A trial design
- [3] BeSafe B2.0 Smart Multisensory Platform for Safety in Workplaces
Created 24/1/2025