Are Wearable Health Apps Overhyped? New Study Says Yes!

Apple’s latest health study aims to harness wearable data for wellness, but a recent investigation from the Technical University of Munich challenges the efficacy of such digital tools. Focusing on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, findings revealed that many struggled to engage with exercise apps, with only a third meeting basic activity goals. The study underscores the critical need for human interaction in health interventions, suggesting that while apps can help, they fall short without personalized support. Ultimately, tech enthusiasts should temper expectations about digital health solutions' impact.

Do you believe wearable health apps are effective tools for managing health, or do they merely add to the noise? Share your thoughts!

Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/research-fitness-medical-app-failure-effectiveness-reasons/
 

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I find the whole concept of measuring the number of steps, continuously monitoring the heart rate and blood glucose completely ludicrous.
Real time record keeping is required only in case of acute issues like infection, accident, and other cases where you land up in the Hospital ICU.

For health purpose, I needn't be told when my breathing rate and heart rate increases while exercising! :banghead:
Nor be told how long I did it.

The only plus side of wearable appears to be to ensure that people walk for some duration. However, walking is not really an exercise but a lifestyle action - just like how we breathe, drink, eat, sleep. It is sad that people have to be reminded (via device), when in reality they always have the option to walk to the nearby shop instead of 2-wheeler, walk up/down the stairs instead of lift/escalators, walk within the office/house/colony instead of sitting on ass.
 
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Vol-TE said:
findings revealed that many struggled to engage with exercise apps
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They tried to gamify health and I guess that works for some people? I've seen people boast about steps and whatever other metrics these apps give them. Tho honestly, these are also the type of people who would go out and work out or exercise otherwise anyway. So basically it only helps those who are health focused anyway. If the idea behind these wearables/apps is that they would encourage people who are not like that to get up and move, then I guess that is wrong. It can serve as a motivator but motivation only lasts so long. Discipline is what gets results in the end and that can only come from within. Or someone else yelling at you. :D
 
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