Transcript

Over a span of twenty years, wearables have gone from a free step counter in your cereal box, to sophisticated tools for research studies. According to Kaiser research, 70% of clinical trials will incorporate some type of wearable sensors by 2025’

Wearable technologies, such as smartwatches, have revolutionized the health research sector and it is clear that they are here to stay.

So how do these devices help us with our research? Let’s examine the top 5 reasons why smartwatches benefit researchers! 

1. Smartwatches collect REAL WORLD data 

Most researchers require participants to visit a lab to observe and collect their data for a specific period of time. With smartwatches, you are collecting ongoing data from your participants in a real-world setting. That data can be used to offer additional insights about your participants outside of a controlled lab environment 

2. They provide OBJECTIVE, quantifiable data

While self-reported data is valuable, wearable devices offer more reliable and consistent data because they are not influenced by human bias. They provide objective data to strengthen study findings. Take stress, for example, asking someone how relaxed they feel compared to monitoring their heart rate variability can tell a very different story. 

3. They allow for REMOTE data collection and participant monitoring

Smartwatch technology, combined with tools such as LabFront, allow researchers to connect with participants without the obligation of meeting in-person. Remote data collection facilitates participant monitoring, and real-time feedback  that allows for immediate intervention should an issue arise. Participants are no longer burdened with always coming into the lab, which can reduce travel time and overall costs... which leads us to our next point.

4. Are A FRACTION of the cost of most medical research devices

With medical wearable devices -such as EKGs or EEGs -costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars! Smartwatches are extremely affordable