Experts Address the Challenges and Opportunities in Wearable Technology for Health and Research
Wearable technology holds the promise of revolutionizing our lifestyles, but a team of international researchers highlights significant challenges within this rapidly evolving domain. In a trio of editorials published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the group of scientists delves into critical issues facing the wearables industry. These challenges encompass the lack of device and data standardization, disparities between research and industry, and the impact of socioeconomic inequality in device ownership.
Presently, approximately one-third of adults in the UK own smartwatches or fitness trackers, with similar figures reported in a 2021 Australian survey. While these devices are often used to monitor steps and sleep, their potential to reshape our comprehension of the relationship between daily activities and health remains underappreciated. The advent of wearable devices, combined with advancing AI capabilities, enables the unraveling of micro-patterns in everyday activities and their connection to risks like premature death, cardiovascular ailments, and even cancer.
Nonetheless, this dynamic field confronts obstacles, exacerbated by its rapid pace. The researchers emphasize the necessity for swift adaptation to seize the opportunities presented by wearables. To address these challenges and foster advancements, Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, launches the Mackenzie Wearables Research Hub, aiming to optimize wearable-related research methods, bridge academia and industry, and expedite the evolution of research-grade wearable hardware.
The researchers advocate for closer collaboration between industry and academia to enhance consistency and activity metrics in consumer wearables for valid research measurements and health behavior monitoring at a population level. Regulatory frameworks must also evolve to match the swift progress of wearables and big data.
Additionally, while smartphone ownership is widespread, socioeconomic disparities persist in wearable ownership, posing a hurdle in using consumer wearables to drive positive behavioral changes. The researchers posit that these challenges, though formidable, can be overcome through enhanced integration of wearables in clinical trials and collaborative efforts between academia and industry. Ultimately, the goal is to harness wearable technology for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of chronic diseases, leading to a healthier and more content population.
Source: The University of Sydney
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
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