Almost 30% of Broadband Households Own, Use Connected Health Device

New survey data from research firm Parks Associates shows that 27 percent of U.S. broadband households currently own and use at least one connected health device.


New survey data from research firm Parks Associates shows that 27 percent of U.S. broadband households currently own and use at least one connected health device.

The survey of more than 5,000 U.S. broadband households also reveals that 13 percent of U.S. broadband households are very likely to purchase a connected health device within the next 12 months.

"The most popular connected health devices are treadmills, exercise bikes, and ellipticals," said Harry Wang, director of health and mobile product research at Parks Associates, in a written statement. "These devices come with built-in support for mobile health apps, which effectively merges the demands of mobile and healthcare consumers.”

Previously, the research firm projected that more than 32 million U.S. consumers will actively track their personal health and fitness online or via mobile by 2016. However, according to Wang, if Apple's long-awaited iWatch device with health sensors incorporates “breakthrough wellness and fitness tracking functions” and supports “innovative partnerships” with health industry incumbents, the market adoption could be much higher in the next few years.

“Wearables are another developing area for digital health, and this market is getting increasingly competitive, with Apple scheduled to announce its iWatch next week to compete with big brands like Motorola, Samsung, and LG," he said.

These wireless technology behemoths are looking to take advantage of strong consumer interest in wearable sensors allowing users to monitor their health, exercise and diet. Apple’s iWatch, a wristwatch-like computing device with smartphone/tablet and health/activity tracking capabilities, reportedly includes a pedometer for counting steps and sensors for monitoring health-related data such as heart rate.