Wearable tech is “seamlessly embedded portable computers that can be worn on the body,”[1]. Examples include consumer products marketed as wellness gadgets, like smartwatches produced by Apple and Fitbit and activity trackers, and more specialized medical devices such as those that recognize symptoms of COVID-19 infection or screen blood for cancer cells.
These devices are able to record, collect, and send data in real time, giving users a clear picture of their behavior over the course of a day. As such, they can help them identify areas where they need to improve, and motivate and sustain a positive lifestyle. Moreover, their ability to collect and process data in an efficient manner allows them to give the user valuable insights and strategic awareness on demand.
Besides the obvious application in the fields of medicine, security and entertainment, wearables are also being developed to make daily life more convenient and productive for people in other sectors, such as fashion, sports, and military. For instance, some smart clothing is infused with sensors to allow the user to activate their mobile phone by a simple touch or by activating certain gestures. Other wearables are designed to improve workplace efficiency by replacing manual tasks with hands-free technology, such as Augmented Reality (AR) headsets.
With the increasing adoption of wearables, it is important to understand how they can empower individuals to take greater responsibility for their own health and care. This scoping review examines the literature on how wearables support a variety of aspects associated with empowerment, including diagnosis, self-monitoring, and behavior change.
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