Wearable Medical Devices

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of monitoring basic health conditions in real-time, driving a surge in demand for home-monitoring devices such as heart rate monitors. This heightened awareness and the practicality of the device for self-monitoring have led to a big leap in the adoption of wearable devices, including fitness trackers or wearable medical devices.

Technavio predicts market growth of wearable medical devices will grow by 23.31% between 2024-2028, reaching an estimated value of USD 26.55 billion. This growth is driven by the demands from users, as research shows that nowadays, one in five Americans use a smartwatch or fitness tracker for health monitoring. The impressive integration of advanced technologies has enabled users to self-monitor their heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood glucose levels, and many more.

Wearable medical devices equipped with cutting-edge developments can significantly help in lowering healthcare costs by reducing the need for frequent hospital visits or admissions. Moreover, the data collected can be used to assist healthcare professionals in developing tailored treatment plans, further enhancing patient care.

Among the top trends globally for wearable medical devices are:

1. Artificial Intelligence

   1. Smart clothing – Garments embedded with sensors to track body temperature, heart rate, and body movement

   2. Biosensors – Devices that incorporate a biological recognition element into sensor operation

2. Telemedicine

   1. AMON – wearable telemedicine monitor for heart patients

   2. QBIC – belt-integrated computing platform for home and hospital use

3. Wearable Robotics

   1. Orthotic Robots – Ex: Exoskeleton used to restore lost or weak limb functions

   2. Prosthetic Robots – Used to substitute limbs after amputation

4. Fitness Tracker

   1. Smartwatches - Apart from being used as accessories to attend calls and messages, smartwatches can track physical activities

5. Sleep Management

   1. Sleep Tracking Mat – Monitoring sleep cycles, detecting snoring, and breathing disturbances

   2. Oura Ring – Recording sleeping data from bio signals

   
   

Overall, wearable medical devices offer significant benefits by enabling individuals to take control of their health and providing essential data to healthcare providers. As demands grow and wearable medical devices become more integrated into daily life, these devices will play a pivotal role in promoting a healthier lifestyle and enhancing healthcare systems.