The intrusion of technology into many areas of our lives, and the sedentary habits that accompany it, are often blamed for rising obesity, declining fitness levels and a host of chronic diseases.
But how about looking at it another way? How about the opportunities technology can provide for people to take control of their health?
Here are some of the more interesting and popular technology developments available.
Moves for iPhone
iPhone app that is a simplistic movement-tracking tool. Simply download the app and forget about it. So long as users have their iPhone, it will track what activity is being done (walking/running/cycling) and for how long – calculating how many calories are being burned.
Nike+ Fuelband
Wearable wristband that tracks activity. Syncronises with mobile devices to monitor progress; enables you to share information and compete with friends.
Strava
Primarily an online tool to log and keep track of runs or bicycle rides. Users can download a smartphone app and track activity via GPS that way, or more serious athletes can upload data from compatible GPS sports devices. The online community also enables competition between athletes and route searches.
Calico
A locally developed app that coaches users on the ‘calories in versus calories out’ lifestyle. Uses GPS tracker to monitor activity and users can receive deals at registered retailers if they hit a daily activity target. (Currently in development.)
EVO
A program that reminds people to take breaks from continuous use of computers. Blacks out the computer screen and counts down the time of the required break.
FitBit
Rolls GPS activity tracking, nutrition monitoring and sleep into one online database. FitBit also offers enterprise packages for organisations looking to improve the health of their employees, which includes monitoring participation rates.
Emotiv Insight
A wireless headset scientifically designed to monitor brain waves. Feedback is provided to the wearer via a mobile app showing data about the brain’s performance (in development).
SleepBot
Mobile app that tracks body movement throughout the night to analyse sleep patterns. Uses a ‘smart alarm’, which finds the best time to wake up within a 30-minute window before the first alarm. Unlike other sleep monitoring apps it also records noises throughout the night – ending snoring arguments
once and for all.
MyFitnessPal
One of the most popular mobile apps for tracking food (calorie) consumption. Sets users a benchmark for desired calorie intake, which reduces as each meal is logged, offset by activity logged. Includes progress charts on weight change and calorie consumption.
Future Me
Curtin University researchers are developing an app that will show users what they look like in the future, depending on calorie consumption and activity levels. Based on users’ height, weight and exercise levels, avatars depicting the ‘future you’ change depending on lifestyle (in development).
