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

The main direction of development of technologicalelectronic devices is to simplify communication and increase efficiency in working 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 minimum set of elementscontrol, a compact casing and a wide range of features. Actually, these products are suitable for all products from the segment of portable 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 newest 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 ordinary fans of portableelectronic devices, and in the circles of specialists 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 to determine the number of steps taken for the whole day, the distance traveled, the pulse, the number of calories burned, etc. This is a standard set of tools for sports wearable electronics.

Models that focus on maintaining health,to a greater extent are provided with analyzer functions 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 of the device slept at night, and also calculate the number of awakenings.

Sports watch as a typical segment representative

Fashion for gadgets with self-diagnostic applicationswent from the "smart" hours that 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, a sports watch with heart rate monitor and foot pod from different manufacturers to actively compete with each other in the size of the characteristics of autonomy and ergonomics. Each manufacturer seeks to offer small, yet functional and easy-to-manage watches. But combine these qualities can only units. And this is 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 areOnly one of the forms that embody the concept of wearable gadgets. Bracelet-pulseometer, provided with the same functions, is also common. Appear and specialized models, focused on working 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.

To specialized models it is possible to attribute andglucometers, 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 tomobility, ease of management and the ability to continuously monitor your body's performance. 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 in the appropriate graphics. The 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 gadget by definitionIt 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 gadget manufacturers of this kind candivided into two types - these are directly manufacturers of mobile electronics and companies related to the production of medical or sports equipment. Among the representatives of the first category, the leading positions are occupied by Sony and Xiaomi, which produce expensive 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 measuringis determined on an individual basis in accordance with their own needs. The only thing that can be recommended here - if you need high accuracy of measurement, it is better to use a specialized mono device to work with one particular indicator. Otherwise, all the gadgets for health monitoring should be evaluated by the time of operation on one charge, the way functions are controlled, 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 is developing rapidly and covering all newdirections 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 can be counted 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.