tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18612023707876445952024-02-19T06:07:23.884-05:00Fitness Tech M.D. by @DrJosephKimWearable activity trackers and gadgets tracking health and fitness by Dr. Joseph Kim @DrJosephKimUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-71181104295040922862020-06-24T00:00:00.000-04:002020-06-24T15:55:17.007-04:00Apple watchOS 7 adds a host of health and fitness features Apple's next watchOS adds several new health and fitness features:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPu2BUXetMKg4kJ-shzfsuf3BY5m8R5HI9vSti_9cbsdNrlT7cTKY7uu6k5Kt5mTWhuUpQVjkRyzoU7oOCWLdYtkp4OsHVeQAdNiYjXrGXEzwHtHHj2LTlevPSBYLr3_ewK2-NIJH8B39/s1960/Apple-watch-watchos7_06222020_big.jpg.large_2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPu2BUXetMKg4kJ-shzfsuf3BY5m8R5HI9vSti_9cbsdNrlT7cTKY7uu6k5Kt5mTWhuUpQVjkRyzoU7oOCWLdYtkp4OsHVeQAdNiYjXrGXEzwHtHHj2LTlevPSBYLr3_ewK2-NIJH8B39/s320/Apple-watch-watchos7_06222020_big.jpg.large_2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>sleep tracking</li><li>automatically detect handwashing motions and sounds</li><li>workout app adds: Core Training, Dance, Functional Strength Training, and Cooldown</li><li>hearing health with headphone audio notifications</li><li>while biking, cycling directions are available right on the wrist</li><li>New Mobility Metrics available in the Health app include: low-range cardio fitness, walking speed, stair-descent speed, stair-ascent speed, six-minute walk distance, double support time, step length, and asymmetry</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div>watchOS 7 will run on:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Apple Watch Series 3</div><div>Apple Watch Series 4</div><div>Apple Watch Series 5</div></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-68334471090277980722020-06-04T00:00:00.000-04:002020-06-24T16:13:24.486-04:00Pulse Ox on Garmin wearables A growing number of Garmin wearables wrist-based pulse oximetry, an estimation of the user’s peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%).<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusSSvAGYhPWaPvcX3EJkr3YkMDQUMxbRf0VT7KJY-8S7oj3AL9-duyKx7ncyradiBR3j0JYVKK6dZbHVlOUWJQBCnuFMlwaCO5qf7R_6wg6OWy9r1zU0Cfh8u56OHuIJB_zegQrqS-3R7/s211/pulse+ox.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusSSvAGYhPWaPvcX3EJkr3YkMDQUMxbRf0VT7KJY-8S7oj3AL9-duyKx7ncyradiBR3j0JYVKK6dZbHVlOUWJQBCnuFMlwaCO5qf7R_6wg6OWy9r1zU0Cfh8u56OHuIJB_zegQrqS-3R7/" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Examples of Garmin devices include: Fenix 6, Forerunner 945, Venu, vivoactive 4/4S, Approach S62, MARQ series, vívomove 3, vívomove Luxe, vívosmart 4, and others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Devices use a combination of red and infrared lights with sensors on the back of the device to measure the percentage of oxygenated blood. </div><div><br /></div><div>Garmin notes that these are not medical devices and are not intended for use in the diagnosis or monitoring of any medical condition.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-38396198835117010862019-05-01T00:00:00.000-04:002019-05-01T15:18:41.898-04:00New Garmin Forerunner watches: 45, 245, and 945Garmin just announced new Forerunner GPS running smartwatches.<br />
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Forerunner 45 and 45S<br />
Forerunner 245 and 245 Music<br />
Forerunner 945<br />
<img height="200" src="https://explore.garmin.com/forerunner/content/images/gallery-forerunner-45-img01-black.jpg" width="163" /><br />
<img height="200" src="https://explore.garmin.com/forerunner/content/images/gallery-forerunner-245M-aqua-01.png" width="163" /> <br />
<img height="200" src="https://explore.garmin.com/forerunner/content/images/gallery-forerunner-945-img01-black.png" width="163" /><br />
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Engineered for runners, by runners, each new Forerunner features lightweight materials and an intuitive 5-button design that is easy to operate with or without gloves, and in any weather condition. The watches include an always-on, sunlight-readable display with GPS, all-day activity tracking, smart notifications, wrist-based heart rate, and new safety and tracking features that allow users to share their real-time location with chosen contacts in case they need help.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-48281186008286811152018-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:002018-02-08T15:40:57.103-05:00The link between heart rate variability and diabetesReposted from <a href="http://www.medicineandtechnology.com/2018/02/using-heart-rate-data-and-machine.html" target="_blank">medicineandtechnology.com</a><br />
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A very interesting study seems to suggest that continuous heart data could identify patients who have diabetes. You can read more about this story on <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/with-ai-your-apple-watch-could-flag-signs-of-diabetes/" target="_blank">Wired</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
... at the annual AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence in New Orleans, digital health-tracking startup Cardiogram presented research suggesting the Apple Watch’s heart rate sensor and step counter can make a good guess at whether or not a person has diabetes—when paired with the right machine-learning algorithms, of course.</blockquote>
In 2013, researchers at UCSF launched the Health eHeart study and registered close to 200,000 participants. About 40,000 opted to link their health information with their Cardiogram app. The DeepHeart neural network was trained to spot patterns and trends linked to human disease. Using semi-supervised sequence learning (artificial intelligence), the machine interpreted patterns of heart rate variability and was able to identify patients with diabetes 85% of the time.<br />
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I find myself wondering if some of this may be related to certain pharmacologic agents such as beta blockers...<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-42020399090044680402018-01-30T00:00:00.000-05:002018-01-31T11:07:41.137-05:00Fitness trackers maturing to replace watchesIt seems that every year, we see a exponential increase in the number of people wearing fitness trackers. Most of them are using their wearables as watches. Fitness trackers have finally matured to the point of replacing watches. Occasionally, I may still see someone who wears a watch and a separate fitness tracker. <div>
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By far, the most popular device today is the Apple Watch. This trendy device has also reached a level of functionality that leads people to wear it continuously. I don't mean they necessarily sleep with it (since the battery life on the Apple Watch is still fairly limited). Apple Watch users don't abandon their devices after a few weeks or months. </div>
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Many Fitbit and Garmin users wear their devices continuously and sleep with them. The longer battery life allows them to track their sleep, wake up to a gentle wrist vibrating alert, and jump right into the shower without taking the tracker off their wrist. By tracking sleep, you can also see what your heart rate does at night. </div>
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While activity trackers were originally designed to motivate people to exercise, they can also provide useful sleep insights that can help people get better rest and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. </div>
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The next evolution of activity trackers will include better battery life, more water resistance, and greater style options. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-769214391454061122017-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:002017-11-12T14:02:00.343-05:00Misfit Vapor Android Wear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYorv2aym_L0rLCOwPHQBAoT5dVX49d-x0_9eO_46iJZo2CFrRQYfXqbkgQ00GctcmA2A78VWsM0WslupUGgbZADfLEglJwtQ0_XRnt8-D09H3wFFPS_VMqo36LY_X-wF9B3Xoz3MeqW6Z/s1600/mis7000_main_2700x3000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYorv2aym_L0rLCOwPHQBAoT5dVX49d-x0_9eO_46iJZo2CFrRQYfXqbkgQ00GctcmA2A78VWsM0WslupUGgbZADfLEglJwtQ0_XRnt8-D09H3wFFPS_VMqo36LY_X-wF9B3Xoz3MeqW6Z/s200/mis7000_main_2700x3000.jpg" width="180" /></a>Misfit has launched its first Android Wear smartwatch and it's called the Vapor. Unlike most Android Wear smartwatches, the Vapor is swimproof + water resistant up to 50m. That's a critical feature for swimmers who want to wear their devices in the water. The Vapor lacks a built-in GPS, which means that you need to stay connected with your phone for GPS functionality and tracking. The Virtual Touch Bezel provides seamless scrolling and navigating.<br />
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It's always interesting to see different manufacturers leverage their expertise and creativity to build functional watches running Android Wear. New Balance and Polar have devices on the market. Now, Misfit has joined in with the Vapor.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-18329137600915883122017-10-09T00:00:00.000-04:002017-10-09T21:46:52.165-04:00Growing body of research around wearablesWhere and when did the term "wearables" originate? The oldest search result in PubMed for the search term "wearables" yields the following:<br />
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Market research on garment-based "wearables" and biophysical monitoring and a new monitoring method.<br />
Schultze C, Burr S.<br />
Stud Health Technol Inform. 2004;108:111-7. Review.<br />
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Then, we started seeing a spike in publication activity about 3-4 years ago:<br />
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Patient-centered activity monitoring in the self-management of chronic health conditions.<br />
Chiauzzi E, Rodarte C, DasMahapatra P.<br />
BMC Med. 2015 Apr 9;13:77. doi: 10.1186/s12916-015-0319-2.<br />
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A transdisciplinary approach to wearables, big data and quality of life.<br />
Sungmee Park, Jayaraman S.<br />
Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2014;2014:4155-8. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2014.6944539.<br />
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Clinical researchers and health services researchers are eager to see how wearables will truly impact population health, disease prevention, diagnosis, and disease management. While short-term studies show several key areas of progress, the biggest opportunities are at the population level. As more people embrace wearables into their daily routines, will we see an overall improvement in public health?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-19365009611651474362017-09-04T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-05T16:20:30.228-04:00Garmin vívosport and vívoactive 3The new Garmin vívosport and vívoactive 3 were just announced at IFA 2017. These new wearables combine all-day heart rate, GPS, water resistance, and smart notifications. Those are all the features I really need in a fitness-focused wearable. When you add a touch screen and mobile payment, those features are simply icing on the cake.<br />
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In some ways, the vívoactive 3 resembles the fenix 5. However, the fenix do not have touch screens and don't support mobile payments.<br />
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Fitbit also recently announced their Fitbit Ionic, but I'm waiting to see what types of smart notifications that device will support. Traditionally, Fitbit has only supported call, text and calendar notifications. Garmin devices support more types of smart notifications.<br />
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So, while everyone is out to compete against the success of the Apple Watch, it seems like the Fitbit Iconic and the Garmin vívoactive 3 may gain more traction then many of the Android Wear devices on the market. I'm still waiting to see the Misfit Vapor.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-36154326133280072992017-09-01T00:00:00.000-04:002017-09-03T21:28:44.903-04:00Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro finally waterproof for swimming! When Samsung released their Gear S3, I thought that IP68 meant that these were waterproof for swimming. Although IP68 means "maximum depth of 1.5m. for up to 30 minutes," I guess it doesn't mean swimming. <br />
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Well, Samsung has finally caught up with some other truly fitness-focused wearables with their latest Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro.<br />
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While the Gear Sport may resemble the Gear S3, it's smaller and is waterproof for swimming.<br />
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The Gear Fit2 Pro may look just like the Gear Fit2, but it's also waterproof for swimming.<br />
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These new Samsung wearable devices are rated at 5 ATM for swimming. At last, the next generation of wearables are finally being released with enough water resistance for a few laps in the pool!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-7788451861895323062017-07-07T00:00:00.000-04:002017-07-07T20:15:10.751-04:00While Jawbone closes, Jawbone Health Hub opensSad to hear that Jawbone is closing. While I enjoyed using their fitness tracking hardware, I was more impressed by their data and analytics capabilities to keep users engaged in their health. <div>
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I owned a few of the Jawbone UP fitness trackers. One stopped working, so I ended up getting a replacement. A button fell off the other. </div>
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Jawbone Health Hub is a new digital health startup that is launching as Jawbone closes its doors. According to several sources, it sounds like a number of former Jawbone employees are following the CEO to this new startup. If they build a lean team and have access to the wealth of user-generated health data from Jawbone, then this startup could gain value very quickly. I was always impressed by the way that Jawbone nudged users with health tips, relevant articles, tips/suggestions, and tailored feedback.</div>
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Good luck to the new Jawbone Health Hub!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-37234235699977756982017-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:002017-06-01T07:42:40.282-04:00Newer Android Wear devices emphasizing fitnessI'm so glad to see that the newer Android Wear devices are emphasizing fitness. By offering meaningful water resistance, users can now wear these devices when swimming, surfing, etc. In fact, the newer watches are placing tremendous pressure on traditional GPS running watches. If you don't need battery life stamina to run ultramarathons, then the newer Android Wear devices may suffice for the average fitness enthusiast who wishes to go on runs, train at the gym, and compete in occasional events.<br />
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From the Huawei Watch 2 to the Tag Heuer Connected 45, you can get all types of water resistant smartwatches that will help you take your fitness to the next level.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-57248539597090006122017-02-08T00:00:00.000-05:002017-02-08T16:08:00.703-05:00Android Wear 2.0 is a welcome upgradeGoogle just announced Android Wear 2.0 and the LG Watch Sport and the LG Watch Style are two new watches that are being released with the upgraded operating system. The Watch Sport includes a built-in cellular radio (LTE) so that you can use the watch without your phone. However, it's a much larger watch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGS9O3pIGxkvjGMGi6IZUNxC1cQUwpBeh0NCoVpDmZu0otVjmEHXuxk2HALFMpB-JJxk7ERjc8REKQG8mmn_PEYPrTKAdflxa6qd8snCtsncZY00xRwHKg9iPUBXZnO8-KhtsSAq6o4cq/s1600/LGWatchStyleSport.width-2000.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGS9O3pIGxkvjGMGi6IZUNxC1cQUwpBeh0NCoVpDmZu0otVjmEHXuxk2HALFMpB-JJxk7ERjc8REKQG8mmn_PEYPrTKAdflxa6qd8snCtsncZY00xRwHKg9iPUBXZnO8-KhtsSAq6o4cq/s320/LGWatchStyleSport.width-2000.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Some of the older Android Wear watches will receive an update to 2.0, but it seems to me that the best features of 2.0 are built around the internal cellular radio.<br />
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The LG Watch Sport includes a built-in GPS and optical heart rate monitor. So, it could be a really nice running watch for people who want to leave their phone behind and still stay connected to the rest of the world. The real usability test will depend on battery life: can you go on an extended run while using the GPS, LTE, and heart rate monitor?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-65629921410743002002017-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:002017-01-24T22:29:36.496-05:00Garmin fenix 5 - the smartwatch for serious fitness usersThe new Garmin fenix 5 comes in 3 case sizes:<br />
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<li>42 mm</li>
<li>47 mm</li>
<li>51 mm</li>
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Garmin has essentially taken the successes of the fenix 3 and extended the fitness smartwatch to a wider audience. Unlike the Apple Watch or Android Wear, the Garmin fenix 5 does not have a touch screen. It also does not have a microphone.<br />
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The fenix 5 is meant for serious fitness users who need a robust, water resistant (100 meters) watch that has extended battery life. The wrist-based heart rate eliminates the need for a chest strap. The fenix 5 is positioned as a "premium" multisport GPS watch that starts at $599 and goes all the way up to $850.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9bXovqfqzgofnSxpt7n4LVrh2GhiRca_RabdZjnZKS4lTDT6KowBESIR2toud3Tmfr5L2UukXyTeQGpwnJMbJaoPXJFv1nVfR4B2MDjKnG-CwXnx-keZapFYRhFisV7MZqiWBVdR-ggH/s1600/fenix-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9bXovqfqzgofnSxpt7n4LVrh2GhiRca_RabdZjnZKS4lTDT6KowBESIR2toud3Tmfr5L2UukXyTeQGpwnJMbJaoPXJFv1nVfR4B2MDjKnG-CwXnx-keZapFYRhFisV7MZqiWBVdR-ggH/s320/fenix-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Garmin will be expanding its ecosystem of apps through its Connect IQ store.<br />
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Nixon and Casio have released rugged Android Wear watches that are water resistant, but relatively short battery life still remains a limiting factor. With the release of Android Wear 2.0, we're going to see more smartwatches that have cellular capabilities.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-45109112069601064912016-12-22T00:30:00.000-05:002016-12-22T08:52:11.850-05:00Apple Outlet now selling refurbished Apple watchesIf you missed the recent Black Friday deals on the Apple Watch, you can find discounted models on the online Apple store in the "<a href="http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/apple_watch" target="_blank">certified refurbished</a>" section (some may call it the Apple Outlet). You'll find refurbished Series 1 and Series 2 models. These refurbished watches come with a 1-yr warranty and the inventory is constantly being updated.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-79732421773632781412016-09-23T00:00:00.000-04:002016-09-23T10:36:05.958-04:00My critique of the JAMA activity tracker + weight loss studyMany people have seen reports of the recent <i>JAMA </i>study titled, "<a href="http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2553448" target="_blank">Effect of Wearable Technology Combined With a Lifestyle Intervention on Long-term Weight Loss: The IDEA Randomized Clinical Trial</a>." Published in Sept, 2016, this study would appear to be a reflection of recent trends in activity tracking and weight loss strategies. However, the study used an antiquated wearable device that is no longer sold (the BodyMedia FIT which is worn on the upper arm) and it was conducted from 2010-2012. How many people in 2010 were wearing activity trackers? The popular Fitbit Flex launched in May 2013. The Apple Watch launched in April 2015.<br />
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Back in 2010, relatively few people wore activity trackers. Moreover, hardly anyone wore them on their upper arm. So although the authors acknowledge that "The multisensor wearable device was worn on the upper arm, which may not reflect the effectiveness of more contemporary devices worn on the wrist..."<br />
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The term "effectiveness" is an interesting term for this type of study, since the accuracy of worn activity trackers has wide variability. In order for a digital tool to effectively change behavior in a sustainable way, people have to use it regularly and the device should provide useful feedback to the user.<br />
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I've personally tried the BodyMedia Fit and I can attest that:<br />
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<ol>
<li>It draws a lot of attention (maybe not as much as Google Glass, but you'll get a lot of questions from random strangers asking, "what is that on your arm?"). How self-conscious would you be if were constantly telling everyone that you were taking part of a weight loss study? </li>
<li>It's not something you'll be wearing 24/7 (fabric stretch band around the arm, so you probably won't be taking a shower with it, plus I don't believe that it was water resistant) - so that can impact daily adherence. Plus, the device needs to be charged on a regular basis.</li>
<li>The tracker is not very comfortable (imagine strapping a pager to your upper arm all day). </li>
<li>The device doesn't really provide any type of useful feedback such as vibration alerts, cues, smart notifications, etc. You may eventually forget that it's there. It's not nearly as engaging as modern activity trackers that have lights, screens, and vibrating alerts.</li>
</ol>
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The authors also state, "the use of wearable technology was not initiated at the onset of the intervention, which may have influenced how the participants adopted and used the technology during their weight loss efforts..." Many people are missing this point. Adoption and engagement are critical factors that can impact the success of any type of sustainable behavior change.<br />
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So, if the goal is to sustain lasting behavior changes that will lead to weight loss and healthy eating, then you need to study devices that people will easily wear daily, devices that will provide useful feedback in real-time, and devices that won't make people self-conscious about their attempt to lose weight.<br />
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Finally, keep in mind that the study began with intensive weight loss interventions for 6 months (weekly group sessions), then the groups continued to participate in monthly group sessions (and received phone calls, text message reminders, etc.) Most people who choose to purchase and use a wearable device don't gain access to this type of support and structure. Most consumers are curious or they may be in a contemplative stage where they want to see how an activity tracker may help them achieve a healthier lifestyle.<br />
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Intensive, structured weight loss programs are great ways to kick-start a new journey towards healthy living, but people need to be taught how to use tools in a way that is natural to their workflow and daily habits. If you're not accustomed to strapping a large device to your arm, then you'll be one of the first ones to stop using the device after a few weeks or months. In contrast, if you normally wear a watch and use a smartphone, then it'll be much easier to wear a device that is simple and that provides useful feedback (such as smart notifications that you can customize so that you don't run into alert fatigue).<br />
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In many ways, it's unfortunate that the JAMA article was positioned by the media as a disappointment regarding the "effectiveness" of wearable technology. It's unfortunate that many consumers may now have a misconception regarding how their activity trackers may benefit them.<br />
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I'm sure we'll see many more studies in the near future assessing the "effectiveness" of modern activity trackers. Until then, we'll have to wait patiently as people read stories with misleading titles like, "Activity Trackers Are Ineffective at Sustaining Weight Loss" or "Weight Loss On Your Wrist? Fitness Trackers May Not Help" (the BodyMedia device was worn on the arm, not the wrist!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-65086753965834415992016-08-03T00:00:00.000-04:002016-08-03T11:38:55.401-04:00Polar M600 Android Wear fitness smartwatch - waterproof, GPS, optical HR, touch screenThe upcoming Polar M600 is the type of Android Wear fitness smartwatch that I've been waiting for. Waterproof. GPS. Touch screen. Optical HR. Made by Polar.<br />
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At a glance, it may somewhat resemble the Polar V800 or M400, but don't be fooled. The M600 is a modular Android Wear that is suitable for swimming (thanks to its novel proprietary charging connector) and incorporates Polar Smart Coaching features to help you achieve your optimal fitness performance. You can swap color bands.<br />
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There aren't that many waterproof Android Wear watches that are suitable for swimming. If you don't need that level of water resistance, then you'll probably be fine with other Android Wear watches like the Moto 360 Sport. However, if you're looking for a serious fitness smartwatch that can handle the swimming pool, then wait for the M600.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-10213300269038968652016-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:002016-05-16T20:42:23.342-04:00Garmin vívosmart HR+ now with GPS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7Ocxmi02UUv8O_ZRpihhMbo21I5lZRhfS10qCFiyEzDmV7u2ziKVFF_v6D-jL5GkjvEeRGAC66tEIyroxX2g1NrQR_1QzIwnO9eOirxIyI9dUa7qtWFA-hJvuFne_E4Kn518Ox3kRFFQ/s1600/gallery-vivosmart-hr%252B-img02-black.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7Ocxmi02UUv8O_ZRpihhMbo21I5lZRhfS10qCFiyEzDmV7u2ziKVFF_v6D-jL5GkjvEeRGAC66tEIyroxX2g1NrQR_1QzIwnO9eOirxIyI9dUa7qtWFA-hJvuFne_E4Kn518Ox3kRFFQ/s200/gallery-vivosmart-hr%252B-img02-black.png" width="161" /></a>Garmin is aggressively trying to catch up with Fitbit in the activity wearable market. Garmin has launched a host of new devices recently and the latest addition is the vivosmart HR+ which includes built-in GPS (along with built-in optical heart rate, activity monitoring, smart notifications, etc.).<br />
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At some point, the line between an activity tracker and a smartwatch gets blurred. The vivosmart HR+ has many features that are found on a smartwatch, but Garmin is not positioning this device as a smartwatch. It's listed as a "Smart Activity Tracker with Wrist-based Heart Rate plus GPS." I think I'd call it a smartwatch.<br />
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If you don't need such a small and slim device, then the Garmin vivoactive HR might be a better buy since it's listed as a "GPS Smartwatch with Wrist-based Heart Rate." The vivoactive HR can run some proprietary apps based on the Garmin ecosystem of the Connect IQ "app store."<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-90360810211200472602016-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:002016-04-25T09:53:14.348-04:00Fitbit and Corporate Wellness ProgramsFast Company has an interesting article about how Fitbit grew its presence in the corporate wellness arena. "<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3058462/how-fitbit-became-the-next-big-thing-in-corporate-wellness" target="_blank">How Fitbit Became The Next Big Thing In Corporate Wellness</a>"<br />
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It's really encouraging to see busy working professionals embracing the importance of health, wellness, fitness, and nutrition. At the same time, it's critical for corporations to recognize the sensitivities and privacy concerns that some employees may have, especially if they are unable to actively participate in fitness challenges. The other reality is that some employees may be "gaming" the system and using dishonest tactics to artificially increase their step counts (<a href="http://www.unfitbits.com/" target="_blank">unfitbits</a>).<br />
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Some examples of corporate fitness challenges to motivate their employees to move:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
BP AMERICA: The Million Step Challenge<br />
More than 23,000 employees enrolled in the company’s challenge, and nearly 2,000 surpassed 2 million steps within a year. Employees who reached step goals earned points toward eligibility for a lower-deductible health plan. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
KIMBERLY-CLARK: Live Well Challenge<br />
As an incentive for completing biometric screenings, employees were challenged to take 10,000 steps a day. Forty-seven percent of participants increased their cardiovascular fitness; 50% of them lost weight and increased strength and flexibility.</blockquote>
The next major step will be to link physical activity parameters with key clinical parameters such as weight, glucose and cholesterol levels, etc. Some insurance companies are doing this to see the direct correlation between physical activity and wellness. That should help to filter those employees who are trying to game the system by cheating (see <a href="http://www.unfitbits.com/" target="_blank">unfitbits</a>).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-68124240387349788542016-02-07T00:00:00.000-05:002016-02-14T21:41:23.377-05:00The Garmin fenix 3 now comes with an optical HR option<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, Garmin announced that they will be selling a version of their popular fenix 3 fitness watch with an optical heart rate (HR) built-in so that you don't need to wear a separate HR monitor. Garmin has added the optical wrist-based HR feature into several of their GPS running watches. However, serious runners may still choose to wear the Garmin HRM-Run strap around the chest since the HRM-Run also provides:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Cadence — the number of steps per minute. It displays the total steps (right and left combined).</li>
<li>Vertical oscillation — the bounce in your running motion. It displays the vertical motion of your torso (measured in centimeters).</li>
<li>Ground contact time — the amount of time in each step that your foot spends on the ground while running (measured in milliseconds).</li>
</ul>
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I'm not sure if we'll ever see all these metrics accurately captures from a wrist-based device (you can easily capture cadence, but I'm not sure about the vertical oscillation or ground contact time). </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-90695579723385086262016-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:002016-01-21T00:00:05.756-05:00Are you still wearing that activity tracker you got for Christmas?In 2015, wearable fitness/activity trackers were very popular gifts. In fact, they were so popular that Fibit became the #1 app on the Apple App Store right after Christmas. <br />
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Surveys have shown that the average person will use a wearable fitness device for approximately 3 months. Some will lose their device. Others will lose motivation to wear it. A few will see the health benefits and persist beyond 3 months. <br />
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We're almost 2 months out from Christmas. The gyms are still packed with people who are trying to stick with their New Years resolutions. Some have made resolutions that involved dusting off and recharging the old activity tracker that had been sitting in their drawer. <br />
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I went away from wearing a dedicated activity tracker in the early part of 2015 and moved to wearing different types of smartwatches that have built-in activity tracking. So, whether I'm wearing Android Wear or a Polar V800, I'm still capturing my activity level and beaming that data to the cloud. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-76848354371805379282016-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:002016-01-20T19:23:11.985-05:00Using Tictrac to aggregate data from several wearable fitness activity trackersThe wearable fitness/activity tracker landscape is analogous to the health IT work of electronic health records (EHRs). There are challenges with the interoperability of data. If you use a Fitbit, you can share data and compete against other Fitbit users. If you have a Jawbone UP, you can't operate within the Fitbit ecosystem. Although these trackers may collect similar data like total # of steps and calories burned, they run on proprietary sets of data living within their own ecosystems. <br />
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Some trackers and fitness apps use an open API so that you can link your data with other health and fitness apps (like Google Fit or Apple's Health app). Under Armour is probably leading the pack since MyFitnessPal and MapMyFitness both integrate nicely a number of wearable trackers and fitness apps. In some instances, you may end up with duplication of data (especially if you are using several platforms). <br />
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There's another option for those of you who are serious about quantifying your data: Tictrac<br />
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Tictrac syncs with the activity trackers and fitness apps that you already use. The Tictrac platform delivers high user engagement because it has been developed by a unique team that combines practical expertise in user experience design, behavioral economics, data science, and predictive analytics. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-15375070516391107152016-01-05T20:00:00.000-05:002016-01-06T23:44:33.052-05:00CES 2016 - a host of new wearable fitness gadgets At CES this year, a host of new fitness wearables were announced. More of the fitness wearable manufacturers have finally started to turn the corner and evolve their gadgets from being functional, utilitarian devices around our wrists to stylish fashion accessories.<br />
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Here are a few fitness wearables from CES 2016 that caught my attention:<br />
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Fitbit Blaze - color screen, stylish bands and straps, smart notifications<br />
Misft Ray - a fashionable bracelet that uses a cylindrical design for its sensor<br />
Garmin Fenix 3 HR - added optical heart rate to the GPS-enabled multisport watch<br />
Under Armour HealthBox - fitness tracking band, weight scale, HR monitor<br />
Casio Smart Outdoor Watch WSD-F10 - waterproof and rugged Android Wear<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-66765754190589479682015-12-10T20:00:00.000-05:002015-12-11T10:50:46.238-05:00Moto 360 Sport will get released in Jan 2016<div>
The new Moto 360 Sport could be the Android Wear that you're looking for if you're a fitness enthusiast. Many of the current Android Wear smartwatches don't have fitness-friendly features unless you swap out the leather band, set the brightness on high when you're outside, or strap your phone on your arm for GPS tracking.</div>
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The Moto 360 Sport will be very similar to the 2nd generation Moto 360, but it will include these features:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Built-in GPS</li>
<li>Better screen for outdoor use</li>
<li>Silicone band (but not user-changeable, so pick: Black, White, Flame Orange)</li>
<li>But, still only IP67 water resistance (which is probably sufficient for running, but not suitable for swimming)</li>
</ul>
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I'd like to also know:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Will the Moto 360 Sport track treadmill running through its built-in accelerometer? Some of the current fitness watches made by Garmin, TomTom, and others have this feature so that you can run indoors and capture your running stats (speed, distance, cadence) on a mobile app. Will the Moto 360 Sport include this feature?</li>
<li>Will the built-in optical heart rate monitor on the watch be more customizable? For example, will you be able to monitor your HR continuously during a workout? Will 3rd party fitness apps have access to the HR data?</li>
</ul>
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I hope that 2016 will be a year where we see more fitness-friendly smartwatches that offer greater water resistance, longer battery life, built-in GPS, treadmill running modes, and other essential features found in current GPS running watches. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-54871138274528950872015-11-13T20:00:00.000-05:002015-11-14T13:17:55.087-05:00Misfit acquired by Fossil for $260 millionCongratulations to the Misfit team! Fossil has acquired Misfit for $260 million. I'm sure this is very exciting news for both parties and I'm looking forward to seeing the innovative wearable products that will emerge as a result of this acquisition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1861202370787644595.post-78170326984828310002015-09-21T21:00:00.000-04:002015-09-21T21:47:43.798-04:00Polar V800 Android Smart Notifications coming soon... (waiting patiently)According to the Polar website, <a href="http://updates.polar.com/2015/08/android-smart-notifications/" target="_blank">Android Smart Notifications</a> for the Polar V800 will be coming soon. They just announced that Android Smart Notifications now work on the new <a href="http://updates.polar.com/2015/09/smart-notifications-for-android-polar-loop-2/" target="_blank">Polar Loop 2</a>, so I suspect that the Polar M400 and Polar V800 should be next ... (but when?)<br />
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Smart Notifications have been available for iOS users for some time now. I gave up my iPhone over a year ago and went back to Android, so I'm waiting patiently on Polar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0