Using smartphones to track and improve human health
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029438
Science : With so many people purchasing Fitbits or using phone apps to track personal health data such as number of steps walked per day or number of calories ingested, clinical researchers have started looking into how to collect and possibly make use of that plethora of information. Such firsthand input could be used to study human health, set goals and strategies, and monitor chronic problems and illnesses. The apps can also provide counseling and coaching, urging users to exercise more and not to stress over occasional lapses. However, questions have been raised over how accurate the data collected really are, whether people will consistently use the devices, and whether they will actually change their behavior based on the feedback.
