Health gadget: types, purpose. Sports clock with heart rate meter and pedometer

The basic direction of development of technological electronic devices is simplification of communication communication and increase of efficiency in work with multimedia services. However, against this background, in just a few years, a whole segment of devices has been formed, performing a number of medical tasks. The modern gadget for health is based on the concept of a fitness tracker. That is, it is a sports device designed to take into account the individual characteristics of the user's body. As the capabilities of such devices expanded, so did the set of tools that the carrier of this technique can use. Today, some models are real mini-stations, provided with various means of medical control.

General information about gadgets for health

These are devices with a minimal set of controls, a compact casing and a wide range of features. Actually, these products are suitable for all products from the segment of wearable electronics. Such devices are combined by the presence of wireless modules for communication, autonomy and the ability to combine with smartphones. As a rule, these are sports gadgets, but there are also models of "smart" watches that are not relevant to this sphere. In the latest versions of such models, programming functions are provided. Based on the readings of the built-in sensors, the device independently decides to change the operating parameters or the operating mode as a whole.

Assignment of instruments

And among the usual fans of portable electronic devices, and in the circles of experts there are many skeptical opinions as to the value of portable electronics. The ergonomic advantages of a compact gadget are almost not questioned, but the applications offered for use cause ambiguous judgments. Changed the attitude to wearable electronics is the health gadget, which offered quite understandable and useful options. So, what are these devices for? First of all, the devices help determine the number of steps taken for the whole day, the distance traveled, the pulse, the number of calories burned, and so on. This is a standard set of tools for sports wearable electronics.

Models focused on maintaining health, are largely provided with functions of the analyzer and self-diagnostics. In addition to the above options, the user receives a posture controller, a tonometer, an altimeter, etc. A health gadget with sleep monitoring is also common. It allows you to calculate the time that the host device slept at night, and calculate the number of awakenings.

Sports watch as a typical segment representative

The fashion for gadgets with self-diagnostic applications went from "smart" watches, which were intended for runners. And not only professional, but also amateurs. On the user's hand, there was always information about the distance, running speed, etc. Gradually, this set of functions added fitness applications. Modern models of such watches are more likely to develop in basic performance indicators. For example, sports watches with heart rate meter and pedometer from different manufacturers actively compete among themselves in the characteristics of size, autonomy and ergonomics. Each manufacturer strives to offer small, yet functional and easy-to-manage watches. But combine these qualities can only units. And that's not to mention the quality of the software stuffing. Obviously, combining a large set of diverse applications with sensors in one miniature device is not an easy task. Therefore, users have to sacrifice certain characteristics, choosing the optimal solution for themselves.

Types of devices

Sports watches with tracking functions are just one of the forms that embody the concept of wearable gadgets. Also the bracelet-pulseometer provided with the same functions is distributed. There are also specialized models, oriented to work with a certain indicator. These include bracelets that reflect the alcohol content of the blood, examining the characteristics of sweat. The device contains an electrochemical transdermal sensor that monitors the release of ethanol through the skin. Further information about the "analyzes" is processed and displayed on a miniature display in a user-friendly form.

Specialized models include glucometers, which allow you to determine the level of sugar in the blood. What distinguishes such devices from full-fledged medical devices? The ability to interface with other mobile devices, portability and control of the target parameter in a constant mode. A separate niche in the segment is occupied by tricoders. This is already a multi-functional medical gadgets, close to full-format technology. This device allows you to work with several metrics, including pulse, body temperature, oxygen saturation and even ECG.

Pros of gadgets for health

All the advantages of such devices are reduced to mobility, easy management and the ability to constantly monitor the performance of your body. The scheme of the gadget is simple and requires minimal effort from the user. As a rule, it is enough to set the operating mode, after which the recorded information will fill the corresponding graphics. Modern bracelet-pulseometer also allows you to instantly send data to your smartphone, and through it and to the Internet. This is convenient if, in addition to its own interest in medical indications, it is also the task of informing the attending physician.

Disadvantages of medical gadgets

Of course, in any performance, the gadget by definition will not be able to provide the level of accuracy with which full-fledged medical devices operate. The modest dimensions of such devices impose significant limitations on the use of sensitive sensors and sensors. Therefore, the same sports watch with heart rate meter and pedometer should be considered as a measuring tool with a high error margin. Nevertheless, taking into account the dynamics of changes in this or that parameter in this case can be quite correct.

Popular manufacturers

All manufacturers of gadgets of this kind can be divided into two types - directly manufacturers of mobile electronics and companies related to the areas of manufacturing medical or sports equipment. Among the representatives of the first category, the leading positions are occupied by Sony and Xiaomi, producing cheap but attractive external, ergonomic and efficient electronics. But the most accurate and practical gadgets for fitness and health are released by developers, including those specializing in medical topics. These include Youwell, Polar Loop, Omron, Fitbit Flex, etc. These are modest in design and characteristics of the device, but they benefit from popular competitors due to the quality of the measurement functions.

How to choose a gadget for health?

A set of optional instruments for measurement is determined on an individual basis in accordance with their own needs. The only thing that can be recommended here - if you need high measurement accuracy, it is better to use a specialized mono device to work with one particular indicator. Otherwise, all gadgets for health monitoring should be evaluated by the time of operation on a single charge, the way control functions, the quality of the display, etc. As practice shows, the way to communicate with a mobile device is also important. It is desirable that the tracker provided synchronization channels for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

The segment develops rapidly and covers all new directions of technological advancement from other spheres. For example, manufacturers do not forget to improve and software stuffing devices, providing them with the latest versions of iOS and Android. At the same time, the cost of models no longer bites as much as during the debut appearance of the first concepts of the same "smart" hours. In modern versions, sports gadgets can cost 3-4 thousand rubles, offering a full set of basic metrics. For 10-15 thousand, you can count on high-quality products from Xiaomi or Sony, which will be pleased with its wide functionality, capacious battery and additional features. But in any case, do not consider such devices as full-fledged medical equipment.