NCTV Episode 112

Continuing with the series of bitesize health tip videos which can be found here on my YouTube Channel, this episode includes:-

✅ Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and posture monitors that track health data.
✅ Remote monitoring for the tracking of vital signs and movement patterns.
✅ Tools to improve posture, tracking rehabilitation, and preventing strain.
✅ What’s useful for athletes, office workers, and injury recovery.
✅ Choosing the right device

Transcript

If you’d prefer to read the content within, rather than watch the video, then feel free to read the transcript, as follows:-

Hello and welcome to NCTV Episode 112, which is all about an exciting and fast-growing area of healthcare – wearable technology and remote monitoring. These innovations are revolutionising how we track and manage our health, helping people stay on top of their well-being in ways that were never possible before. So, let’s take a look at how these devices can benefit you and how they might even complement the likes of osteopathic treatment.

So first of all, what is wearable technology? Well wearable technology includes smart devices like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and even smart clothing, designed to monitor various aspects of your health. These devices can track heart rate, sleep quality, physical activity, stress levels, and even detect abnormal heart rhythms. Some more advanced wearables can monitor blood oxygen levels, hydration, and even posture.

Posture is of course an area of particular interest in my industry and this can be monitored using devices like the Upright Go, and some smartwatch features like the Apple Watch’s posture reminders, Fitbit’s reminder to move, Samsung Galaxy Watch’s body composition tracking, and Garmin’s advanced running dynamics that provide real-time posture feedback. These are all particularly relevant for anyone looking to improve muscle and joint health.

How Does Remote Monitoring Work? Remote monitoring allows healthcare professionals to keep track of a patient’s vital signs and activity levels from a distance. This can be particularly useful for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, tracking post-surgical recovery, recovering from injuries such as sprains or fractures by tracking mobility patterns, detecting excessive strain, and providing guided rehabilitation exercises, or even improving their fitness levels. Data collected from wearables can be shared with healthcare providers, allowing for real-time adjustments to treatment plans and early detection of potential health concerns.

So Why is This Relevant to Osteopathy in my case? Well as an osteopath, I see firsthand how poor posture, repetitive strain, and a lack of movement can lead to pain and dysfunction. Some wearable devices can help by:

  • Tracking movement patterns to identify imbalances
  • Providing real-time feedback on posture to prevent strain
  • Monitoring heart rate variability and stress using devices like the WHOOP strap, Oura Ring, and Garmin HRV sensors, which can help identify tension patterns and guide relaxation techniques
  • Also they can help track rehabilitation progress after injuries

Who Can Benefit? Anyone can benefit from wearable technology, but it’s especially useful for:

  • Athletes– To optimize performance and recovery
  • Office workers– To combat prolonged sitting and encourage movement
  • Those with chronic pain– To monitor activity levels and avoid overexertion
  • And Post-injury patients– To track rehabilitation progress using devices like smart insoles that monitor weight distribution, motion sensors that analyze gait patterns, and rehabilitation apps that guide recovery exercises and provide feedback, ensuring safe movement patterns

Next, we’ll move onto some Tips for Using Wearables Effectively:

  1. Firstly, choosing the right device is a great start– Make sure it aligns with your health goals. For example, if you’re looking to improve posture, devices like the Upright Go provide real-time feedback. If you’re tracking recovery, motion sensors and smart insoles can help.
  2. Set realistic targets– Use the data to make gradual improvements.
  3. Don’t rely on wearables alone– They are tools to complement professional healthcare, not replace it.
  4. And last but not least, listen to your body– While wearables provide data, your own feelings and experiences are just as important.

Wearable technology and remote monitoring are here to stay and they’re transforming healthcare by making health tracking more accessible, personalised, and effective. So whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or someone recovering from injury, these devices can offer valuable insights and support the likes of your osteopathic treatment. If you have any questions about how to incorporate wearables into your health routine, feel free to reach out.

That’s it for this week’s bitesize bit to help your health flourish.

And I’ll see you again next time!