Wearable technology like Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Oura ring has seen a surge in popularity among those keen on monitoring their fitness. But these gadgets might soon be doing more than just tracking steps or heart rates—they could become essential tools in detecting diseases.
A recent study from the University of South Australia suggests that wearable activity trackers could play a significant role in identifying early signs of various health conditions, particularly atrial fibrillation, which is often linked to stroke, and even COVID-19.
Researchers undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies, involving 1.2 million participants, to assess the accuracy of these consumer-grade devices in detecting medical conditions. The findings are promising:
- Wearables were able to correctly identify COVID-19 status in 88 out of 100 cases, offering a detection rate comparable to rapid tests.
- They detected atrial fibrillation in 87 out of 100 individuals, matching the accuracy of medical tests typically conducted by healthcare professionals.
- Additionally, falls were accurately identified in 82 out of 100 instances.
Originally designed to measure fitness-related metrics, wearable devices have evolved to monitor an array of health indicators, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep patterns, skin temperature, hydration, and stress levels.
Dr Ben Singh, the lead researcher from UniSA, believes that these findings could herald a new era in personal health monitoring. “As healthcare costs continue to rise, the demand for cost-effective solutions that improve patient outcomes has become critical. Our research shows that wearable activity trackers, such as Fitbits and Apple Watches, hold significant promise in detecting conditions like COVID-19 and heart issues in everyday settings. This could lead to better health management for individuals.”
Dr Singh also notes that these devices allow users to take charge of their health, potentially identifying issues in real-time and addressing them before they escalate into more serious problems.
However, despite the potential benefits, co-researcher Professor Carol Maher from UniSA highlights that there is still room for growth and refinement in wearable technology. “The convenience and ease of use provided by these devices make them a valuable tool for real-time health monitoring. Yet, there’s much more they could do. For these devices to be integrated into clinical practice, they must prove their efficacy across a broader range of health conditions and demonstrate consistent results in diverse populations.”
Wearable technology is on the brink of becoming an integral part of personal healthcare, moving beyond fitness tracking to offer early disease detection. As research continues, the possibilities for these devices are expanding, making the future of health monitoring more accessible and advanced.
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