The BodyMedia Armband: The Next Generation of the Pedometer

Pedometers – sensors that are worn to count the amount of steps taken throughout the day – have long been used to help measure physical activity and motivate people to stay active. Unfortunately, the number of steps taken throughout the day does not necessarily correspond well with the amount of calories spent, and misses many forms of physical activity. A higher-tech option is the BodyMedia armband. This device, worn around the bicep, senses far more than just the up-and-down motion of a pedometer. Within a fairly small 1.6 oz package (2.2” wide, 2.4” wide, and 0.5” deep) the BodyMedia armband contains sensors that measure motion in all directions, temperature, heat flux (the amount of body heat being dissipated into the air) and the sweat content of the skin. Combining all these measurements, the BodyMedia armband calculates a fairly accurate account of total calories spent, with an average error of less than 10% from the real value. The data stored on the armband can be downloaded to a computer (easily – and on Mac and PC!) with a USB cable or to a wireless display. This information can be used for diet adjustment and to record progress in an exercise regimen. BodyMedia also provides software called the BodyMedia FIT Activity Manager, which can track calorie expenditure, calorie intake (by inputting what you’ve eaten), and even sleep duration and efficiency. For more information on this tool, visit http://www.bodymedia.com. --NW