Smartwatches are constantly evolving with new “life-saving” technologies like fall detection, SOS calling, AFib warnings, and even the latest Loss of Pulse feature on Pixel Watches. These advancements aim to make users feel secure. However, one common concern that many watches overlook is hydration tracking and sweat loss.
Recent tragic events, such as the death of 35-year-old runner Bobby Graves following a Disneyland half marathon due to heat exhaustion, highlight the importance of better hydration monitoring. Graves had previously completed several marathons and didn’t raise concerns about his heart health. This incident emphasizes the significance of staying hydrated, especially in hot weather conditions.
While some smartwatches can estimate sweat loss during workouts, most brands do not prioritize this feature. It’s time for fitness brands to prioritize hydration tracking, considering the increasing prevalence of extreme heat.
Hydration tracking is fundamental
Platforms like Wear OS and WatchOS offer water-tracking apps like WaterMinder and Waterllama. Samsung’s One UI Watch includes a Hydration tile, and Garmin offers a Hydration Tracking glance through the Connect IQ store.
These apps work similarly, allowing users to enter their water intake and set daily goals. They also provide reminders to drink water regularly. However, these apps lack context related to factors like temperature and workout intensity, making them less effective.
Some fitness watch brands enable users to set reminders to rehydrate during workouts, but the process is not personalized to individual needs. It’s essential for watches to analyze sweat loss and recommend appropriate hydration levels based on factors like workout intensity and sweat rate.
Accurate sweat tracking with smartwatches
Samsung recently conducted a clinical study at the University of Michigan, showcasing the accuracy of its Galaxy Watches in measuring heart rate, VO2 Max, and sweat loss. While Samsung estimates sweat loss based on various factors, direct sweat tracking is limited to specialized devices like the Nix Biosensor.
Nix Biosensors offer precise sweat tracking, making them ideal for serious athletes. Mainstream smartwatches should incorporate better sweat tracking capabilities to provide more comprehensive health insights.
While some smartwatches possess sensors capable of detecting sweat changes, there’s a need for more widespread implementation of sweat tracking features. Brands like Samsung and Google can lead the way by leveraging existing technology to estimate sweat loss accurately.
Future smartwatches could potentially display real-time sweat loss data during workouts and offer personalized hydration recommendations. This level of monitoring could greatly benefit athletes and outdoor workers alike.
Garmin’s Hydration Tracker tool is a step in the right direction, but there’s room for improvement in accurately estimating sweat loss and providing tailored hydration advice.
For the safety of individuals engaging in physical activities, smartwatches should monitor sweat levels more closely and offer timely hydration suggestions based on real-time data. Personalized recommendations would be more effective than generalized algorithms.
This article was first published at Source link . You can check them out for other stuffs