Understanding Smart Wearable Sensors Technology: Impact on Human Health and Fitness

Abstract

In the field of health care management, smart wearable devices and its supporting technologies have tremendously made a name all around the globe. Smart watches and other sensor trackers are practically being used by various people and its usage has shown to be accompanied with lots  of benefits. This technology was envisaged to play a vital role in the healthcare needs of people; especially with applications in the healthcare sector. The objective of this study, therefore, is to evaluate the technological impact of wearable sensors in human health and fitness (HHF). A web based survey was used for data collection for the period of one month. Emails were sent to registered members of a particular gym who uses any of the smart wearable sensors in keeping fit. The study findings indicate that among the smart wearable devices examined, smart wristwatches (45.6%) appears to be the most commonly used wearable sensor device followed by smart wrist bands (34.7%), smart textiles (10.7%) and smart rings (9.1%). This signifies that a large number of people can effortlessly use SWSs and devices and are optimistic about its support in their daily  healthcare/fitness needs. Users are positive on the technological prospects of SWSs and devices; although there is a gap between personal  motivation to use wearable devices and trust in the confidentiality and privacy of data generated.

Keywords: Devices, Health, Fitness, Wearable, Sensors