Active Technology and Accessories

Abstract

Active technology (i.e. ‘wearables' and accompanying health tracking apps) is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Nearly one in every 10 people worldwide generates physiological and biomechanical data from wearable devices every day. This data allows users to evaluate their performance over time, to share with friends, to find like-minded training partners and share this data with their primary healthcare providers. Population-based research related to health, wellness, and physical activity is now feasible as a result of data generated from wearables. This chapter will highlight the major current trends and future applications for wearable devices from a user and research-based perspective across the active economy. The authors aim to highlight the practical and clinical utility of wearables to monitor training, fatigue, and performance on the athletic field, the workplace, and the clinical environments. The goal is to improve health, mobility, and quality of life of the end-user.