Difference between revisions of "Wearable health tech"

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===Heart-rate monitor===
 
===Heart-rate monitor===
The heart-rate monitor is one popular feature of wearable tech. Devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitibits use photoplethysmography to measure the user’s heart rate<ref>"Techadvisor article on Photoplethysmography" https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/</ref>. These devices have the capabilities to record rates at different intervals throughout the day and adapt to the interval of collection when detecting activity, such as running.  
+
The heart-rate monitor is one popular feature of wearable tech. Devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit's use photoplethysmography to measure the user’s heart rate<ref>"Techadvisor article on Photoplethysmography" https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/</ref>. These devices have the capabilities to record rates at different intervals throughout the day and adapt to the interval of collection when detecting activity, such as running.  
  
 
Users have used such wearable tech devices to monitor their heart rate for issues. Cases have occurred when users were able to detector early signs of a heart attack using a Fitbit<ref>"Yahoo News Article on Heart Attack Instance" https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/30839939/life-saving-fitbit-detects-grandfathers-heart-attack-before-it-happened/</ref> and the Apple Watch even provides the capability to alert the user if the device records an unusually high spike in heart rate during leisurely activity<ref>"Apple Website's news on Heart Track"https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/11/apple-heart-study-launches-to-identify-irregular-heart-rhythms/</ref>.
 
Users have used such wearable tech devices to monitor their heart rate for issues. Cases have occurred when users were able to detector early signs of a heart attack using a Fitbit<ref>"Yahoo News Article on Heart Attack Instance" https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/30839939/life-saving-fitbit-detects-grandfathers-heart-attack-before-it-happened/</ref> and the Apple Watch even provides the capability to alert the user if the device records an unusually high spike in heart rate during leisurely activity<ref>"Apple Website's news on Heart Track"https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/11/apple-heart-study-launches-to-identify-irregular-heart-rhythms/</ref>.
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===Motivation===
 
===Motivation===
 
Researchers have found benefit for patients when an activity tracker is used to motivate physical activity for patients with depression. Activity tracking devices were used to complement behavioral activation therapy; patients cited “positive experiences included self-awareness, peer motivation and goal-setting opportunities” as well as “[n]egative themes included inconvenience, inaccuracies and disinterest"<ref>Chum J, Kim MS, Zielinski L, et al
 
Researchers have found benefit for patients when an activity tracker is used to motivate physical activity for patients with depression. Activity tracking devices were used to complement behavioral activation therapy; patients cited “positive experiences included self-awareness, peer motivation and goal-setting opportunities” as well as “[n]egative themes included inconvenience, inaccuracies and disinterest"<ref>Chum J, Kim MS, Zielinski L, et al
Acceptability of the Fitbit in behavioural activation therapy for depression: a qualitative study
+
Acceptability of the Fitbit in behavioral activation therapy for depression: a qualitative study
 
Evidence-Based Mental Health 2017;20:128-133. http://ebmh.bmj.com/content/20/4/128</ref>.  Some wearable health technology also allows users to compete with each other, creating an environment that fosters competition, values fitness, and rewards healthy behavior.
 
Evidence-Based Mental Health 2017;20:128-133. http://ebmh.bmj.com/content/20/4/128</ref>.  Some wearable health technology also allows users to compete with each other, creating an environment that fosters competition, values fitness, and rewards healthy behavior.
  
 
===Responsibility===
 
===Responsibility===
Wearable health technology urges users to take an active role in their healthcare through exercising and nutrition by seeing real time health data.  Wearable health technology helps users feel responsible for staying healthy by creating an awareness of the user's daily activity (or lack thereof).
+
Wearable health technology urges users to take an active role in their healthcare through exercising and nutrition by seeing real-time health data.  Wearable health technology helps users feel responsible for staying healthy by creating an awareness of the user's daily activity (or lack thereof).
  
 
===Convenience===
 
===Convenience===
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The Apple Watch is a smartwatch that syncs up to a user's iPhone. The Apple Watch displays a user's notifications, steps, distance traveled, and minutes of activity. All 3 models of the Apple Watch have a heart rate monitor. The monitor tracks users' resting heart rate and how it fluctuates during a fixed amount of time.  Series 1 watches are splash resistant and Series 3 watches are water resistant up to 50 meters <ref>“Apple Watch - Compare.” Apple, Apple, Inc., www.apple.com/watch/compare/.</ref>. All watches can operate over wifi. The Series 3 has cellular and LTE capabilities and allows users to receive notifications as well as makes calls and send text messages.
 
The Apple Watch is a smartwatch that syncs up to a user's iPhone. The Apple Watch displays a user's notifications, steps, distance traveled, and minutes of activity. All 3 models of the Apple Watch have a heart rate monitor. The monitor tracks users' resting heart rate and how it fluctuates during a fixed amount of time.  Series 1 watches are splash resistant and Series 3 watches are water resistant up to 50 meters <ref>“Apple Watch - Compare.” Apple, Apple, Inc., www.apple.com/watch/compare/.</ref>. All watches can operate over wifi. The Series 3 has cellular and LTE capabilities and allows users to receive notifications as well as makes calls and send text messages.
  
==FitBit==
+
==Fitbit==
There are 8 FitBit trackers available on the market, each offering different features at their price points.
+
There are 8 Fitbit trackers available on the market, each offering different features at their price points.
 
===Zip===
 
===Zip===
The FitBit Zip is modeled more after the traditional pedometer. It clips onto the user's clothing, such as their waistband, pocket, or undergarments. At $59.95, this model tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. It sends the data it collects to a user's smartphone or laptop and allows them to compare their statistics to others around them. The battery lasts up to 6 months and it comes in 2 colors, black and pink. <ref>“Fitbit Zip.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/zip.</ref>
+
The Fitbit Zip is modeled more after the traditional pedometer. It clips onto the user's clothing, such as their waistband, pocket, or undergarments. At $59.95, this model tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. It sends the data it collects to a user's smartphone or laptop and allows them to compare their statistics to others around them. The battery lasts up to 6 months and it comes in 2 colors, black and pink. <ref>“Fitbit Zip.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/zip.</ref>
  
 
===Flex 2===
 
===Flex 2===
This piece of technology is wearable. Securing itself to the wrists of users, it tracks steps, distance, calories burned, minutes of exercise completed, and active hours. It also tracks sleep, is water-proof, and alerts users to notifications they receive on their cell phones, which means users never have to take it off. The battery lasts up to 5 days and the device syncs to smartphones and laptops so that users can track their progress. <ref>“FitBit Flex 2.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/flex2.</ref>
+
This piece of technology is wearable. Securing itself to the wrists of users, it tracks steps, distance, calories burned, minutes of exercise completed, and active hours. It also tracks sleep, is water-proof, and alerts users to notifications they receive on their cell phones, which means users never have to take it off. The battery lasts up to 5 days and the device syncs with smartphones and laptops so that users can track their progress. <ref>“FitBit Flex 2.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/flex2.</ref>
  
 
===Alta===
 
===Alta===
 
The Alta comes in two different versions: one with a heart rate monitor and one without.
 
The Alta comes in two different versions: one with a heart rate monitor and one without.
 
===Ace===
 
===Ace===
This model is one of FitBit's newest models designed specifically for children.
+
This model is one of Fitbit's newest models designed specifically for children.
 
===Charge 2===
 
===Charge 2===
The Charge 2 has a larger face and different comfort levels of of wrist bands in comparison to the Charge HR. This version can track multiple fitness activities at the same time.
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The Charge 2 has a larger face and different comfort levels of wristbands in comparison to the Charge HR. This version can track multiple fitness activities at the same time.
  
 
===Ionic===
 
===Ionic===
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===What Companies do with Sensitive Information===
 
===What Companies do with Sensitive Information===
In 2009, David Shoemaker wrote a paper regarding self-exposure and informational privacy. He explores if there’s a way to come to terms whether it is ethically incorrect to share “innocent” personal data. In his exploration, he cites another author, Helen Nissenbaum, who has created a framework to justify the issue. First, just because data is offered, does not mean it can be ethically right for a party to gather and analyze it for a different context. For example, though the Strava location information was meant for an individual’s use to track their exercise, it is ethically wrong for someone to gather that data and use it to attack military personnel. Because – according to Nissenbaum – while bits of data may not be impactful, the collection of data could expose people. Therefore, user’s can feel be justified in feeling uncomfortable if their location data is being gathered and profiled<ref>Shoemaker, D. W. (2009). Self-exposure and exposure of the self: Informational privacy and the presentation of identity. Ethics and Information Technology, 12(1), 3-15. doi:10.1007/s10676-009-9186-x</ref>. User’s now must be mindful about the collection, storage, and privacy setting of location services for their wearable technology. It is critical that they understand its implications and whether they are comfortable with what someone can do with a mass amount of such information.
+
In 2009, David Shoemaker wrote a paper regarding self-exposure and informational privacy. He explores if there’s a way to come to terms whether it is ethically incorrect to share “innocent” personal data. In his exploration, he cites another author, Helen Nissenbaum, who has created a framework to justify the issue. First, just because data is offered, does not mean it can be ethically right for a party to gather and analyze it in a different context. For example, though the Strava location information was meant for an individual’s use to track their exercise, it is ethically wrong for someone to gather that data and use it to attack military personnel. Because – according to Nissenbaum – while bits of data may not be impactful, the collection of data could expose people. Users can feel be justified in feeling uncomfortable if their location data is being gathered and profiled<ref>Shoemaker, D. W. (2009). Self-exposure and exposure of the self: Informational privacy and the presentation of identity. Ethics and Information Technology, 12(1), 3-15. doi:10.1007/s10676-009-9186-x</ref>. User’s now must be mindful about the collection, storage, and privacy setting of location services for their wearable technology. It is critical that they understand its implications and whether they are comfortable with what someone can do with a mass amount of such information.
  
 
===Security Risk===
 
===Security Risk===
Wearable health technology is constantly gathering data about the user.  It is continuously connected to the internet in order to upload this data and save it.  Being connected to the internet poses a security threat to this data because most companies handling this sensitive health information does not encrypt this data appropriately.  This allows hackers to gain access to to this protected information.  Many times, the user's data can be compromised without the user even knowing. The lack of encryption has become an embedded value in this wearable health technology. Because the corporation failed to preemptively address this issue through encryption, they have put customers at risk.
+
Wearable health technology is constantly gathering data about the user.  It is continuously connected to the internet in order to upload this data and save it.  Being connected to the internet poses a security threat to this data because most companies handling this sensitive health information does not encrypt this data appropriately.  This allows hackers to gain access to this protected information.  Many times, the user's data can be compromised without the user even knowing. The lack of encryption has become an embedded value in this wearable health technology. Because the corporation failed to preemptively address this issue through encryption, they have put customers at risk.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
  
 
[[Category: Hardware]]
 
[[Category: Hardware]]

Revision as of 14:48, 17 April 2018

The term Wearable health technology refers to a type of technology that is made for consumers to wear. The advancement of ubiquitous computing health metric collection has resulted in the popularity of wearable accessories which collect health data. Examples of Wearable health tech include Fitbit devices and the Apple Watch. Wearable health tech fits under the umbrella of the Internet of Things (IoT), where everyday devices are sending and receiving data simultaneously to generate new insights. Because Wearable health tech is often utilized in a data-driven setting, ethical concerns regarding it surround the issue of data utilization and the security of collected data.

A stock photo of a user looking at their phone which captures physical activity data collected by the user's Apple Watch.

History

Wearable Health Technologies started in 1938 when the first hearing aid was developed in Chicago.[1] In 2003, the first digital pacemaker was on the market and doctors could download the information within 18 seconds. Wearable technologies became more of a trend in 2006 when Nike and Apple created footwear to connect your iPod and sneakers for a personal running experience.[2]

Today, many of the current smartwatch devices, such as Fitbit and Apple Watches, are referred to as “activity trackers” to reference their capability to capture and analyze movement. The Apple Watch sold more watches in the fourth quarter of 2016 than Rolex, Omega, and Swatch combined [3]. It has also represented almost half of all smartwatch units, with Fitbit following, and nearly 80% of smartwatch revenue, amounting to USD $2.6 billion[4].

Popular Features

Smartwatches come with a variety of features such as messaging, alarms, calendar, and other application connection while some smartwatches have elected to focus mainly or solely on health tracking abilities. These devices can capture comprehensive data (such as altitude in addition to distance), analyze the data, and comparatively display the data to allow for activity tracking.

Devices are gaining capabilities to motivate users as well to be mindful of their health in the form of encouraging visualizations of data and reminders to be active. For example, the Apple Watch has default reminders to stand at certain time intervals and has the capability to evaluate whether the user has stood or not[5].

Smartwatches may also provide the framework for 3rd-party developers to create apps to further expand the technological capabilities of health-related initiatives[6].

Heart-rate monitor

The heart-rate monitor is one popular feature of wearable tech. Devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit's use photoplethysmography to measure the user’s heart rate[7]. These devices have the capabilities to record rates at different intervals throughout the day and adapt to the interval of collection when detecting activity, such as running.

Users have used such wearable tech devices to monitor their heart rate for issues. Cases have occurred when users were able to detector early signs of a heart attack using a Fitbit[8] and the Apple Watch even provides the capability to alert the user if the device records an unusually high spike in heart rate during leisurely activity[9].

Calories burned

Smartwatches and wearable health technology are often able to calculate calories burned in some form for the purpose of evaluating a workout or cardio activity. The Apple Watch used the motion and heart monitoring data it collects to determine calories burned[10]. The Fitbit estimates using the heart rate tracker and BMR data[11] A user can make use of the caloric data to evaluate their activity and calories burned against the caloric intake they have manually logged for the day.

Sleep monitoring

Smartwatch devices and wearable tech may also offer services for sleep monitoring. These services use movement and heart rate monitoring to calculate time of sleep, time of waking up, duration of sleep, and movement between cycles and depth of sleep[12].

Benefits

Wearable Health Technology offers many benefits to help the user stay healthy and feel responsible for their health.

Mindfulness

In addition to physical health, these Wearable devices provide help with a user's mental health and mindfulness. The Apple Watch by default offers a “Breathe” function which prompts the user throughout the day to pause and monitor their breathing. The Watch signals the user to inhale and exhale at calculated moments. The Apple Watch App Store also has a comprehensive section for health-related apps which includes multiple apps focused on guided meditation and mindfulness[13]

Motivation

Researchers have found benefit for patients when an activity tracker is used to motivate physical activity for patients with depression. Activity tracking devices were used to complement behavioral activation therapy; patients cited “positive experiences included self-awareness, peer motivation and goal-setting opportunities” as well as “[n]egative themes included inconvenience, inaccuracies and disinterest"[14]. Some wearable health technology also allows users to compete with each other, creating an environment that fosters competition, values fitness, and rewards healthy behavior.

Responsibility

Wearable health technology urges users to take an active role in their healthcare through exercising and nutrition by seeing real-time health data. Wearable health technology helps users feel responsible for staying healthy by creating an awareness of the user's daily activity (or lack thereof).

Convenience

Wearable health technology automatically tracks different aspects of the user's health and fitness without any effort from the user. This allows users to easily keep track of their exercise or sleep in one accessible location.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is a smartwatch that syncs up to a user's iPhone. The Apple Watch displays a user's notifications, steps, distance traveled, and minutes of activity. All 3 models of the Apple Watch have a heart rate monitor. The monitor tracks users' resting heart rate and how it fluctuates during a fixed amount of time. Series 1 watches are splash resistant and Series 3 watches are water resistant up to 50 meters [15]. All watches can operate over wifi. The Series 3 has cellular and LTE capabilities and allows users to receive notifications as well as makes calls and send text messages.

Fitbit

There are 8 Fitbit trackers available on the market, each offering different features at their price points.

Zip

The Fitbit Zip is modeled more after the traditional pedometer. It clips onto the user's clothing, such as their waistband, pocket, or undergarments. At $59.95, this model tracks steps, distance, and calories burned. It sends the data it collects to a user's smartphone or laptop and allows them to compare their statistics to others around them. The battery lasts up to 6 months and it comes in 2 colors, black and pink. [16]

Flex 2

This piece of technology is wearable. Securing itself to the wrists of users, it tracks steps, distance, calories burned, minutes of exercise completed, and active hours. It also tracks sleep, is water-proof, and alerts users to notifications they receive on their cell phones, which means users never have to take it off. The battery lasts up to 5 days and the device syncs with smartphones and laptops so that users can track their progress. [17]

Alta

The Alta comes in two different versions: one with a heart rate monitor and one without.

Ace

This model is one of Fitbit's newest models designed specifically for children.

Charge 2

The Charge 2 has a larger face and different comfort levels of wristbands in comparison to the Charge HR. This version can track multiple fitness activities at the same time.

Ionic

Versa

Controversy and Concerns

The criticism has occurred on whether the collection, storage, and analysis of this data is ethical.

Continuous Tracking Controversy

In 2018, a heat map by fitness app Strava was released that highlighted the routes of all their users – including running and bike riding paths [18]. This caused controversy as military personnel was using this app as well. While military bases had been identified before using other mapping services, this capability of wearable devices to track both running and riding locations in addition to the frequency of use made it possible to see transpiration routes as well[19]. This could cause a threat to military personnel as anyone could see how what paths Strava app users are moving on and also with what speed and frequency. The military is currently looking into any implications of the map[20].

What Companies do with Sensitive Information

In 2009, David Shoemaker wrote a paper regarding self-exposure and informational privacy. He explores if there’s a way to come to terms whether it is ethically incorrect to share “innocent” personal data. In his exploration, he cites another author, Helen Nissenbaum, who has created a framework to justify the issue. First, just because data is offered, does not mean it can be ethically right for a party to gather and analyze it in a different context. For example, though the Strava location information was meant for an individual’s use to track their exercise, it is ethically wrong for someone to gather that data and use it to attack military personnel. Because – according to Nissenbaum – while bits of data may not be impactful, the collection of data could expose people. Users can feel be justified in feeling uncomfortable if their location data is being gathered and profiled[21]. User’s now must be mindful about the collection, storage, and privacy setting of location services for their wearable technology. It is critical that they understand its implications and whether they are comfortable with what someone can do with a mass amount of such information.

Security Risk

Wearable health technology is constantly gathering data about the user. It is continuously connected to the internet in order to upload this data and save it. Being connected to the internet poses a security threat to this data because most companies handling this sensitive health information does not encrypt this data appropriately. This allows hackers to gain access to this protected information. Many times, the user's data can be compromised without the user even knowing. The lack of encryption has become an embedded value in this wearable health technology. Because the corporation failed to preemptively address this issue through encryption, they have put customers at risk.

References

  1. https://www.futurehealthindex.com/2016/09/29/infographic-history-wearables/
  2. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/23/nike-apple-wearable-technology
  3. "Fortune Article on Apple Watch Sales" http://fortune.com/2018/02/20/apple-watch-sales-smartwatch/
  4. "Canalys's article on Apple Watch Revenue Analysis" https://www.canalys.com/newsroom/media-alert-apple-watch-has-its-best-quarter-and-takes-nearly-80-total-smartwatch-revenue-q
  5. "Article on the Features of Apple Watch" https://www.iphonetricks.org/apple-watch-time-to-stand-notifications/
  6. "Apple Healthcare Development Article" https://www.apple.com/healthcare/products-platform/
  7. "Techadvisor article on Photoplethysmography" https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/
  8. "Yahoo News Article on Heart Attack Instance" https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/30839939/life-saving-fitbit-detects-grandfathers-heart-attack-before-it-happened/
  9. "Apple Website's news on Heart Track"https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/11/apple-heart-study-launches-to-identify-irregular-heart-rhythms/
  10. "TechAdvisor Article on Calories Tracking"https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/
  11. TechAdvisor Article on Fitbit Heart Rate Track and BMR Data"https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/
  12. TechAdvisor Article on Sleep Monitoring" https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/feature/wearable-tech/fitbit-vs-apple-watch-2018-3612954/
  13. "Imore Article on Apple Watch Meditation App" https://www.imore.com/best-meditation-apps-apple-watch
  14. Chum J, Kim MS, Zielinski L, et al Acceptability of the Fitbit in behavioral activation therapy for depression: a qualitative study Evidence-Based Mental Health 2017;20:128-133. http://ebmh.bmj.com/content/20/4/128
  15. “Apple Watch - Compare.” Apple, Apple, Inc., www.apple.com/watch/compare/.
  16. “Fitbit Zip.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/zip.
  17. “FitBit Flex 2.” Fitbit, Fitbit, Inc., www.fitbit.com/flex2.
  18. "Strava Heatmap Article" https://www.strava.com/heatmap#2.95/59.86091/47.61165/hot/all
  19. "The Verge Article on Tracking Locations" https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/28/16942626/strava-fitness-tracker-heat-map-military-base-internet-of-things-geolocation
  20. "Washington Post Article on Location Controversy for Wearable Tech" https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/a-map-showing-the-users-of-fitness-devices-lets-the-world-see-where-us-soldiers-are-and-what-they-are-doing/2018/01/28/86915662-0441-11e8-aa61-f3391373867e_story.html?utm_term=.db3c0da67fee
  21. Shoemaker, D. W. (2009). Self-exposure and exposure of the self: Informational privacy and the presentation of identity. Ethics and Information Technology, 12(1), 3-15. doi:10.1007/s10676-009-9186-x