How reliable are fitness trackers? The reality behind the data!

How reliable are fitness trackers? The reality behind the data!

Krone, Österreich - Fitness trackers and smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular in Austria, reports the Krone . Almost 50 % of the population use these portable devices to monitor personal health data such as steps, heart rate and calorie consumption. According to a pharmaceutical company Sandoz, each fifth uses the devices regularly to pursue their fitness level. The technical possibilities of these wearables seem promising, but the displayed values ​​can often be enjoyed with caution.

While some models are able to record blood oxygen or ECG data, not all measurement results are reliable. In this way, fitness trackers and smartwatches can create incentives to be more active, but sometimes they deliver inaccurate data, especially when calculating calorie consumption and blood pressure. According to the adac , such devices can help increase your activity level, but the diagnostic skills are limited. They do not warn of heart attacks and should not serve as a substitute for medical examinations.

important functions and restrictions

Smartwatches offer a variety of functions that go far beyond counting. You can monitor your sleep, measure the pulse and even create simple EKGs. However, as experts emphasize, these devices do not replace medical diagnostics. The accuracy of the measured values ​​varies greatly and often depends on the model used. For example, common smartwatches provide reliable heart rate measurements, while blood oxygen measurements are susceptible to errors due to skin color or tattoos. Many users prefer to use the data as a source of motivation instead of as a medical indicator.

Another aspect that often comes up in the discussion about fitness trackers and smartwatches is the ADAC emergency pass, which can be integrated into smartphones and smartwatches. It enables important emergency data such as previous illnesses or allergies to provide them quickly and safely. While these devices offer useful functions, use should always be accompanied by advice from medical specialists. The trend towards using wearables remains unbroken, but responsibility for health is still with the individual.