What will be the fitness trackers in the future

People's interest in health has been steadily increasing. And with it is going through its first boom in smart fitness electronics: watches, bracelets, accessories. But there still will be when rolled forward a second wave is much more accurate, informative, and error-free gadgets.

food diary - loyal assistant in the fight against excess weight. However, it needs to conduct very objective, and this is beyond most of us. Studies have shown that losing weight and strive to take credit for the extra physical activity and little fib in the amount of calories eaten. Theoretically, the situation could save impartial electronics, secretly fixing our every little step. The case for small - to ensure accuracy. And here is the problem.

In 2013, a group of American scientists puzzled with the question: how accurately fitness devices determine the energy expenditure of the body? To this end, ten men and nine women held a four-hour session of exercise, during which time they were five activity trackers. Data obtained with gadgets, compared with the figures, certain method of indirect calorimetry.

When indirect calorimetry energy consumption is calculated based on the isolation of gas exchange: determining the number of the oxygen consumed by the body for some time, and the amount of carbon dioxide allocated for it time. Since the release of energy takes place as a result of oxidation agents to the final products - the carbon dioxide, water and ammonia, between the amount of oxygen consumed, the selected energy and carbon dioxide there is some relationship. Knowing the respiratory quotient, using special tables to determine the amount of energy released in calories.

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Of course, results It was disappointing for all sports fans. The standard error of wearable devices ranged from 14 to 28%. And worst of all proved itself a gadget from Fibit.

Related Software study 2014, conducted in the University of Iowa, it's more encouraging conclusions. Eight devices tested showed quite acceptable error from 10 to 13%.

Of course, since that time a lot of water under the bridge and we can say with confidence that the sensors become more sensitive, and algorithms - smarter. But has anyone checked? At least in the budget segment, according to the Xiaomi Mi Band 1S, total chaos. The accelerometer built into an extremely popular bracelet, easily confuses running with walking, what I I told. On this occasion, Chinese crafts kick once more.

Recently it was possible to test the sensor heartbeat in two Xiaomi Mi Band 1S simultaneously. Only one out of ten measurements of both the band showed the same values. Basically, the difference was 10-15 contractions, and sometimes all 30. It was horrible to watch. All honest company that oversees the progress of the experiment, was ruthless in its conclusions:

Xiaomi Mi Band 1S as helpful as "Puck" on the intercom.

I sincerely hope that somewhere crept error, for example, one of the sensors is just junk.

Although, in truth, my personal experience of using the two generations bracelet brought many similar disappointments. wish Xiaomi Mi Band 2 to become a truly remarkable device, but I do not buy it - no more hope for a miracle. "Chinese Apple» wants as much to sell, but for some reason does not want to maintain the quality of their software products.

Back to the topic. I will assume, the more expensive and advanced trackers for 200-500 dollars have very small error in determining the steps, cardio and climbing. But what about pull-ups, push-ups and other strength training? They take into account much more difficult. Apparently, you need another technological breakthrough that will change our understanding of the really smart gadgets. And it seems that something is brewing.

sensors sweat

It is difficult to give all the best in training and not sweat. So why not use the pot - the aqueous solution of organic matter and salts - to monitor the energy consumption of man? For example, the content of lactic acid in sweat is directly related to physical activity level. Moreover, the concentration of electrolytes can talk about the body's hydration.

In late May, the engineers from the University of California at San Diego reported the successful testing totally new device, which fixes the biochemical and electrophysiological signals organism at the same time. Plaster Chem-Phys continuously detects and removes lactate electrocardiogram in real time. Accurate readings, according to developers, has already held corresponding commercial products.

Earlier, the first in January 2016, not less interesting prototype presented the University of California at Berkeley team. Scientists have created a flexible system of sensors that measure the temperature of the skin as well as metabolites, sodium and potassium in sweat. Gadget interprets the data and displays them on the screen of the smartphone without any delay.

sweat sensors open up virtually limitless possibilities for monitoring the health of the body. In the coming years, the athletes will be able to prevent cramps, exhaustion or dehydration, sick - heart attacks, and any of us - stress. The latter is particularly interesting. Scientists say that certain biomarkers sweat can judge the mental state of a person in each particular moment.

Sounds pretty cool. However, it is too early to give their Polar V800 on wearing out the parents or children: the engineers are very cautious in forecasts. Say, just wait and hold your breath. I would like to hurry. And you?