TECHNOLOGY WILL SAVE OUR MINDS AND BODIES

BY: ALEX BARBOSA (200213935)

INTRODUCTION

• Technology is changing the landscape of the medical and fitness

environment.

• It is allowing individuals to be more interactive in their own health and

fitness and be more aware of their activities.

• Various range of applications from heart rate monitoring, muscle

monitoring, and sleep tracking.

PERSONAL DEVICES FOR HEALTH

• Pedometers, heart rate monitors and sleep trackers are becoming

more and more common.

• And are even combined in devices such as Fitbit Surge or Fitbit

ChargeHR.

• Even devices to tell muscle function (Athos) and if you are sitting up

straight (LumoLift).

FITBIT

• Offers a variety of different features

for users at all different levels of

activity.

• GPS tracking can be used to track

runs, hikes, and walks.

• Heart Rate Monitor can provide a

more accurate depiction of your heart

rate during exercise and rest.

• Sleep tracking helps to monitor sleep

and rest, to show when you are

restless, awake, and asleep.

ATHOS

• A wearable technology which provides heart rate monitoring,

breathing rates, and muscle fatigue and usage during workouts.

• The “Core” is inserted into an Athos garment and tracks the

information to an app.

LUMOLIFT

• Wearable technology which vibrates when you are slouching or not

standing up straight.

• Reminds you to keep your shoulders back and head lifted.

• Records data in an app.

PERSONAL DEVICES FOR HEALTH

• These various devices can be worn and used to help improve health

in your day to day life and monitor your activities.

• Makes individuals more aware of their actions throughout their daily

life, so that they can try and be more active.

• Encourages small health changes in your lifestyle such as taking the

stairs, or sleeping for longer.

PERSONAL HEALTH DEVICES

PROS

• Allows for more awareness

• Trending health technology

• Allows for challenges between friends

and sharing on social media

• Encourages active and healthier

behaviors

• Tracks and monitors progress to

compare with past activities

CONS

• Can be expensive for individuals to

purchase (add ons are additional costs)

• Provide inaccurate information at times

• Technology is always updating

requiring the user to purchase new

devices every so many years (high

waste and cost)

• Not always fashionable

COST

• The cost of these devices can often be a large deterrent for

individuals.

• They run $100 + for the devices, and become outdated technology in

a matter of a few years.

• Not affordable to everyone, and therefore can prevent some of the

people who need / want it from obtaining it.

• Smart phone is needed for the tracking – either iOS or Android device

typically.

COST

• Most of the technologies there are additional purchases that need to

be made in order for them to work in their optimal form.

• Fitbit: you can purchase the Aria Scale which wirelessly syncs with the devices

to track and monitor weight, BMI and Body Fat %

• Athos: you must purchase either a top or bottom garment for the Core to work

correctly, it will not work with any other clothing. This is at an added expense of

$198 for a pant/shirt combo.

ACCURACY

• It is important for consumers to be aware that these devices may not

always provide 100% accurate information.

• They need to be aware of how their body works and their own activity

on some level.

• Heart rate monitors are rarely ever 100% accurate and can lead to

people being scared when their heart rate is reading very low or very

high.

ACCURACY

• Although the devices are not always perfectly accurate, they do allow

for consumers to be more aware of their heart rate, breathing rate,

sleep patterns, and muscle usage (depending on the device).

• This allows for individuals to alter their training methods, sleeping

habits, etc. in order to make sure that they are using their bodies to

their full extent and not causing any training injuries.

SOCIETAL IMPACT OF PERSONAL HEALTH DEVICES

• There is an overall health trend in the world right now as society is

becoming increasingly obese – the fact that the health and fitness

trend is being paired with the trend in technology only makes sense.

• Consumers are more and more reliant on their technological devices.

It only makes sense that we would have our health and fitness

become more reliant on technology as well.

SOCIETAL IMPACT OF PERSONAL HEALTH DEVICES

• It allows for social engagement and interaction which holds individuals

more responsible to their actions via social media and sharing.

• Creates a want for people to workout, because they want the latest

device, but it isn’t useful unless they are living actively.

• Technology is adapting to fit fashion trends to ensure that it is stylish

for consumers – even seeing brands pair up with designers (Fitbit and

Kate Spade)

REFERENCEES

• https://www.fitbit.com/ca/surge#i.1bj46qhrzqdv8x

• http://www.fitbit.com/ca/home#i.bc049sruwdzywz

• http://www.liveathos.com/apparel/technology

• http://www.liveathos.com/apparel/gear

• http://www.lumobodytech.com/