Wearables

Wearable technology devices (or wearables) are clothing and accessories with embedded electronics, software, sensors and connectivity that enable them to exchange data with a manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices, usually without human intervention.

The most common portable personal accessories now available enable users to measure and record data such as physical movement, steps, heart rate, and sleep quality, or keep track of sport-specific performance metrics like kilometres cycled.

In a research context they have the potential to serve as an additional data stream to enhance our understanding of human health and wellbeing, and may have interesting applications for health care research in particular.