Wearable technology

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Wearable technology combines a set of devices that are attached loosely to a person or directly worn [1]. For the former, a smartphone played a key role in forming or evolving the capacity and possible applications. Indeed, the computing power of the mobile phone and the well-organized app development allowed it to become a hub for gauging all connected devices, communicating acquired information, and even measurement of the signals locally [2]. It is believed they will further support innovations of wearables to perform quick, robust, and easy assays ubiquitously and at any time. According to, WT is classified into two groups: (i) primary, which operates autonomously or serves as a principal link for other devices (i.e., fitness tracker, smartphone), and (ii) secondary, recording target actions or delegating computational analysis to a primary device (i.e., heart rate monitor worn around the chest). Furthermore, the mentioned categories may comprise smart textiles, where materials could either measure or react to user stimuli. These currently remain uncommon in daily usage and the related discussions are indigenous among futurists.

Wearable technology can offer a solution by delivering healthcare services to an increasing world population, constrained by the aging phenomenon [3]. It provides the means of implementing telemedicine: monitoring, capturing, and transmission of physiological signals out of hospital settings becomes possible. Wearables could aid healthcare personnel to offload overwhelming responsibilities and utilize the hospital environment for more responsive care. A well-designed technology could dictate innovations in its approach to preventing and managing diseases (e.g., signaling symptomatic events) and maintenance of health (physical activity observation). The information acquired from wearable devices can have a direct effect on clinical decisions. Moreover, the quality of patient care could be enhanced at reduced costs, such as rehabilitation at home, and self-care [4]. In the future, the generated big data from wearables could present both challenges and opportunities. We believe in AI-applied techniques, which will rise commonplace to support the analysis of these gathered data. In general, the power of WT to grow into useful technology helping patient diagnosis, treatment and care is becoming more evident.

Although the value of wearables for healthcare transformation is vivid, and the advantages are plenty (digitalization, access, cost), it still requires consideration along a few dimensions [1]. The first concern is their readiness, most wearable technologies undergo prototype stages, enhancing usability and functionality [4]. Apart from the hardware bottlenecks, data-hungry AI techniques are not readily applicable. Strict regulations on data governance (acceptance, security, ethics) raise rational concerns and should be addressed further. The appropriate validation frameworks and protocols are essential to facilitate WT innovations to mature and realize their potential to turn into rife, clinically useful technology.

With the rapid pace of wearable technology development, various uses have emerged, which range from basic fitness aid to more advanced applications, including surgery assistance. The most utility of wearable technology reported in the biomedical research space has been divided largely into head-mounted displays and body sensors [4]. We will review the former, as being of more relevance to our thesis coverage.

How to cite

Askaruly, S. (2022). Wearable technology. Tuttelikz blog: tuttelikz.github.io/blog/2022/02/wearable

References

[1] Godfrey, A., Hetherington, V., Shum, H., Bonato, P., Lovell, N.H. and Stuart, S., 2018. From A to Z: Wearable technology explained. Maturitas, 113, pp.40-47.
[2] Quesada-González and A. Merkoçi, “Mobile phone-based biosensing: An emerging “diagnostic and communication” technology
[3] Rutherford, J.J., 2010. Wearable technology. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, 29(3), pp.19-24.
[4] Wu, M. and Luo, J., 2019. Wearable technology applications in healthcare: a literature review. Online J. Nurs. Inform, 23(3).