Wearable devices and wearable health technology has revolutionized how we manage and monitor health, offering personalized treatment, disease management, and remote monitoring capabilities. In this blog post, find out more about the ways wearable technology can revolutionize healthcare and health services.
There are now just under 120 million people in the US using wearable devices on a daily basis, which represents a 30% increase since 2019. Globally, the number of connected wearable devices is now over 2 billion, and set to continue growing, and it is changing healthcare as we know it.
Wearable health technology involves the use of health monitoring devices that are worn on the body to track important health data. Originally, wearable technologies focused on integrating microprocessing power and GPS technology, allowing users to monitor their fitness data and daily activities like distance, speed, pace, elevation, and routes. However, with advancements in sensor and battery technology, wearable devices have evolved to monitor a wide range of health conditions and metrics beyond activity, including heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, ECG, Pulse Oximetry, fall detection, diabetes patches, blood sugar monitoring (via mobile app), and even medication reminders and patient information.
Let’s take a closer look at some wearable technology in healthcare, starting with wearable medical devices:
The most notable example of wearable health monitoring devices are smartwatches, which provide several health tracking features to monitor vital signs and crucial physical health metrics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and activity levels. Smartwatch users can also set notifications and alerts to remind them to take medications as directed, keep appointments, and follow other prescribed treatment routines.
All of this can empower wearers to proactively manage their health data, and it can be easily transmitted to healthcare professionals for analysis. It even has the potential to replace routine in-person medical appointments.
Wearable devices are not just about monitoring; they also contribute to raising awareness about conditions like atrial fibrillation. Many smartwatches and health trackers come equipped with features that educate users about atrial fibrillation, its symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical attention if irregular heart patterns are detected.
According to a survey conducted by ValuePenguin, 45% of Americans regularly wear smartwatches like Fitbit or the Apple Watch. The survey also points to several health advantages that will likely see the popularity of smartwatches increase, including:
Wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, available in the form of patches or smartwatches, effectively monitor heart health and can detect atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. These devices continuously track heart rate and rhythm, alerting users to irregularities and enabling timely medical intervention and consultation with healthcare professionals.
ECG monitors integrate sensors with a computer processor, enhancing efficiency and eliminating the need for separate recording and storage devices. Some of these patches are completely self-contained, eliminating the requirement for a smartphone or smartwatch to manage the data.
Rings and bands have also emerged as discrete yet effective options for continuous heart rate monitoring. Designed to be worn on the finger or wrist, these sleek accessories incorporate ECG sensors, providing users with a comfortable and unobtrusive experience.
It should be noted that several smartwatches are now also approved for use as ECG monitors.
Chronic or post-operative pain sufferers now have access to a wearable technology called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). TENS is a non-invasive pain relief therapy based on low-voltage electric current.
A TENS device delivers electrical pulses using electrodes placed on the skin surface near the pain source. The electrical signals travel through the nerves, preventing pain signals from traveling to the brain.
Many insulin dependent diabetics now use a small, wearable insulin pump. This provides a continuous, controlled and precise infusion of insulin throughout the day instead of the traditional, periodic insulin injections - and users don’t need to constantly prick their fingers for blood samples.
Amputees are also benefiting from prosthetic limbs with sensor technology. Force detectors detect the pressure that patients apply to the prosthesis, allowing them to directly adjust their movements. Sensors can also inform patients about joint angles or ground force reactions to improve control and balance.
Wearable fitness trackers are typically compact wristband devices equipped with sensors that monitor users' physical activity, heart rate, stress levels, respiration, and blood-oxygen levels. They do, however, extend beyond the wrist. Athletes, both professional and amateur, often utilize ECG chest straps to monitor heart rates during exercise. These straps transmit ECG data to separate devices such as smartphones or dedicated fitness trackers.
While Fitbit is a well-known brand in this market, other companies like Garmin, Samsung, Polar, Suunto, and Whoop have also entered the scene. In contrast to smartwatches, fitness trackers focus primarily on promoting overall health improvement, and often offer recommendations through smartphone apps.
Wearable blood pressure monitors measure blood pressure levels directly from the user's wrist or arm. Often resembling smartwatches, these monitors utilize oscillometric technology to provide blood pressure readings.
Omron Healthcare's HeartGuide and the Qardioarm Blood Pressure Monitor are two popular examples of wearable blood pressure monitors. While these medical devices enable users to monitor blood pressure levels conveniently, there is still debate on the accuracy of their readings.
Smart clothing, also known as integrative activewear, uses tracking sensors that are seamlessly woven into the washable fabric of a garment, providing a convenient and comfortable experience for the wearer, without the need for additional devices or accessories.
This advancement in wearable technology opens up new possibilities for monitoring and analyzing physical activity, and promoting wellness. The NADI X, for example, is a brand of smart clothing that uses sensors and vibrations to alert users when they are not holding a yoga pose correctly.
Managing diabetes often involves the inconvenience of frequent finger pricks and using conventional glucose monitors. However, with wearable technology, innovative test patches are now providing a more convenient solution. With these patches, patients simply apply a sensor to their skin and then use a smartphone or watch to scan, measure, and record their blood sugar levels. This eliminates the need for traditional finger pricks and provides continuous glucose monitoring with a more user-friendly experience.
Clearly, wearable healthcare technology will have a significant impact on the medical sector and health providers, empowering healthcare professionals and patients with a range of data points to identify issues in their early stages.
Here are some additional benefits we can expect from the development of wearable healthcare technology:
With wearable devices and smart technology, healthcare professionals can monitor patients, collect data, and personalize treatment plans tailored to patient conditions, needs, and lifestyles.
The continuous monitoring that wearable health technology provides leads to predictive analytics and earlier diagnosis of chronic diseases and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma, helping avoid more serious complications.
Wearable medical devices make remote monitoring more practical and convenient, improving patient compliance. This is especially helpful for patients living in remote locations, or elderly patients with mobility concerns.
With wearable technology, health professionals can now gain valuable, new insights into patients’ daily routines. These medical devices connect seamlessly with digital health applications and platforms, enabling patients to consolidate and access their own healthcare data in one repository. This provides patients and healthcare providers with a more comprehensive overview of their conditions, improving decision-making.
Sports medicine is an area of growth for wearable technology, making it possible to leverage motion sensors to detect movements during exercise and rehabilitation. Popular gaming devices such as Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, and Xbox have also integrated this technology, giving games a more interactive experience.
Working with Kingstec, your business can benefit from our 40 years of engineering expertise, manufacturing relationships, and global logistics experience.
Call us today to learn how we can help your business develop cost-effective, yet sophisticated, wearable medical devices.
