The newly released 'Wigait' app aims to measure health problems by monitoring and tracking the manner in which someone walks, as well as their gait. Wigait is a device which hangs from users' walls, and works by emitting a tiny wireless signal that bounces off their body as they walk around their home. Going one step further than a Fitbit, or step counter, this device works by explaining the difference between a good step, and a bad step.
Monitoring and identifying differences in strides can be central in detecting illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, which has a profound impact on one's gait. Researchers also believe that this device can detect other illnesses like anxiety, and depression disorders. Because of this, they hope to continue researching the app's full impact by identifying how it may affect the medical world at large.
Stride-Tracking Fitness Platforms
The 'Wigait' App Measures How Users Walk to Monitor Their Health
Trend Themes
1. Gait-monitoring Tech - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for technology companies to develop gait-monitoring devices that can help detect illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and other mental health disorders.
2. Smart Home Health Tech - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to expand on Wigait's concept and develop smart home devices centered around monitoring and promoting good health.
3. Personalized Health - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to integrate personalized health tracking, by focusing on each individual's walking or gait patterns, for better identification of health issues.
Industry Implications
1. Health Tech - Companies in health tech can leverage gait-monitoring technologies like Wigait to detect illnesses, and develop other diagnostic tools for mental health conditions.
2. Home Automation - Home automation companies can create connected health technologies like Wigait that can monitor and measure vital signs and promote better health at home.
3. Fitness Tracking - Fitness tracking companies can expand beyond the traditional step-counting technology, by focusing on monitoring gait patterns, to improve overall health and wellness for users.