In the current era of technology and artificial intelligence, smart watches and bracelets are no longer simple devices for measuring time. With a variety of advanced features, such as fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and heart rate measurement, these devices became very popular health and wellness tools. However, the question arises: how reliable are the records taken by smart bracelets and watches?
Smart watches and their precision in measuring physical activity
Smart watches and bracelets use a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to track the user’s physical activity. These sensors can detect movements such as walking, running, cycling, and more. However, the accuracy of these measurements may vary depending on the device and the activity performed.
Some studies show that smartwatches can underestimate or overestimate the number of steps taken or distance traveled. This may be due to factors such as the location of the device on the body, the sensitivity of the sensors, and the quality of the algorithm used to interpret the data.
Sleep monitoring, heart rate or number of beats per minute
These measurements are a common feature in smart watches and bracelets. They use optical sensors to measure heart rate variability, calculate heart rate, and determine different stages of sleep, such as light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movements (REM).
The results can be useful as a general guide to sleep quality and our body’s health parameters. However, it is important to note that these devices are not as precise as specialized medical equipment. The location of the device on the wrist, as well as its quality, can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
Factors affecting reliability
Several factors can influence the reliability of records taken by smart watches and bracelets:
- Devices from well-known brands tend to have better accuracy in their measurements compared to cheaper options.
- The watch or bracelet must fit correctly on the wrist to obtain accurate measurements, especially in the case of heart rate monitoring.
- Regular software updates can improve the accuracy and reliability of data collected by the device.
- Some activities, such as cycling or weight lifting, may be more difficult to track accurately due to the nature of the movements.
More sophisticated brands
The most sophisticated and recent models of smartwatches use sensors such as the gyroscope and the accelerometer to detect falls. This technology alerts a preselected emergency service and shares the user’s location in the event of an accident, offering a quick and effective response.
Recent advances include the ability to measure body temperature. Although this function is not as accurate as a traditional thermometer, some devices use algorithms to offer data that is close to reality.
While smart watches and bracelets can provide useful information about physical activity, sleep, heart rate, and more, it’s important to keep in mind their limitations. They are complementary tools and should not replace the advice of a health professional.
When considering your reliability when taking records, it is crucial to take into account factors that can affect the accuracy of the measurements. With the continued advancement of technology, the accuracy and reliability of these measurements will likely improve.
