Wellness trends: wearable health monitoring devices

Wellness technologies are gradually changing how we view health. What used to require routine tests or doctor visits can now be tracked with wearables and digital solutions that collect data on various physiological parameters throughout the day. This allows you to notice changes before obvious symptoms appear and to make decisions based on facts, not just your own feelings. Of course, such gadgets do not replace medicine, but they create an intermediate level of monitoring and prevention. They help form healthy habits and a conscious attitude towards your body.

To understand how these technologies work in practice and which devices are truly useful for users and medical professionals, the MEDplus editorial team spoke with endocrinologist Eva Ilkiv.

Eva Ilkiv

Endocrinologist

1. Oura Ring 4

This is a smart ring that tracks biometric data during sleep and during daytime activity. It records pulse, heart rate variability, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. The data is automatically transmitted to the Oura mobile app, where personalized indicators of the body’s readiness for exercise, activity, and recovery are formed.

The ring features 18 sensors with Smart Sensing technology that adapts to the user’s finger and delivers an accurate signal. Intelligent algorithms assess sleep quality and recovery level, track activity, stress, cardiovascular, and metabolic indicators, and also consider the characteristics of women’s health.

Oura Ring 4 is water-resistant, the case is made of titanium, and it can be worn constantly, including while swimming or training in the water. The data is synchronized with the iOS and Android applications that display detailed graphs and statistics to analyze changes and improve daily habits.

Suitable for those who lead an active lifestyle and monitor their physical and mental state.

2. OMRON HJ-321-E

A compact pedometer that allows you to track your daily steps, distance traveled, and calories burned.

Thanks to 3D sensors, the device records movements in three directions, distinguishing between normal walking, fast steps, running, or climbing stairs. The pedometer takes into account the user’s individual parameters, such as step length, speed, height, and weight, and based on them calculates accurate activity data. According to the manufacturer, the device’s display shows daily and weekly activity indicators, including steps, distance, and calories burned, which is convenient for analyzing and assessing progress.

The model is equipped with an “aerobic mode” that counts steps during brisk walking over 60 steps per minute, and a watch. Such a pedometer can be convenient for people who walk for therapy or maintain regular physical activity, for example, during rehabilitation after injuries or to prevent a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, it does not measure heart rate, so it is not a replacement for sports trackers.

3. Sibionics GS1

This is a modern continuous glucose monitoring system that does not require frequent finger pricks. It consists of a compact sensor and a mobile application. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the sensor is attached to the body, measures sugar levels in interstitial fluid, and transmits data to a smartphone via Bluetooth every 5 minutes.

It is easy to wear, as it is secured with a special tape that allows you to dive to a depth of no more than a meter and for no longer than an hour. The device helps track the impact of food, physical activity, sleep, and blood sugar levels, generating data about your metabolism. Thanks to the synchronization of indicators in the application, the accumulated statistics enable you to monitor changes in the body that go unnoticed with single measurements.

The functionality allows you to connect relatives to the system if you need to monitor the patient. It is also convenient to share your progress or regressions with your doctor to further plan treatment, nutrition, and adjustments.

The system is useful for a wide range of users:

• For people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
• For athletes and people who are actively training
• For children from 3 years old and adolescents with diabetes and their parents
• For people with prediabetes
• For people who are overweight or obese
• For patients with metabolic syndrome
• For people who travel frequently or change their lifestyle

4. Nokia (Withings) Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer

A smart thermometer that quickly and accurately measures the temperature of children and adults, without causing discomfort, without contact with the skin. The device is equipped with 16 infrared sensors and HotSpot Sensor Technology, which ensures accurate measurements, especially in the temporal artery area.

The data is synchronized with the Thermo application on the smartphone, where up to eight users’ histories are stored. The patient can add symptoms, medications, or photos, and the results can be easily transferred to the doctor for analysis and treatment control. The color LED indicator immediately displays the status: green — normal, orange — control, red — elevated temperature.

Contactless measurement makes Thermo convenient even for babies. The process takes only 2 seconds and emits a vibration signal. The device lasts up to 2 years on a single set of batteries. Guest mode lets you take measurements without saving data for unlimited people.

Thermo is convenient for the whole family and is simple for those who monitor their health. The application provides personalized recommendations based on age and temperature, helping monitor the condition’s dynamics and respond to changes in a timely manner.

5. Portable CPAP machine M1 Mini

A travel CPAP device with automatic pressure adjustment, designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

It automatically adapts air pressure to the patient’s needs thanks to intelligent therapy modes and three sensitivity levels. In addition, the Auto Ramp function detects the onset of sleep and adjusts the timing of pressure changes for maximum comfort during sleep. The device’s compact dimensions traveling.

The M1 Mini is easy to control via iOS and Android apps. By connecting via Bluetooth, the user can turn the device on or off, configure settings and patient profile, view statistics, and generate therapy reports.

To start using the device, connect the mask and hose to the device, turn it on with the power button, and ensure it is securely mounted in the workplace. After that, you need to open the lightTrip application, create a patient profile, and set the desired pressure settings. During sleep, the device automatically detects the onset of sleep and adjusts pressure, but if necessary, it can be controlled manually via the application. Statistics and reports on night therapy are stored, allowing the doctor or patient to track the dynamics of apnea and snoring episodes, adjust device settings, and monitor treatment effectiveness. Regular use of the device affects the number of respiratory arrests and hypoxia episodes, as well as the frequency of daytime sleepiness.

Ten years ago, wearables were mostly associated with fitness bands that counted steps. Today, they have evolved into entire ecosystems that can read body signals with the precision of clinical devices. The development of sensors, artificial intelligence algorithms, and mobile applications has changed the way we think about the complex process of monitoring our health.

Nowadays, wellness devices are not just accessories for active people. They are tools for early problem detection, personalized therapy, and daily monitoring of the body’s condition. However, they are auxiliary tools and cannot replace professional medical examination and treatment.