Last summer, 60 TI employees concerned about their health and weight embarked on a 10-week diet and fitness program. The company-sponsored initiative, "Your Weigh … Together," included the usual fitness classes, nutrition guidance and group check-ins.
But half the participants received something extra: a computer-equipped armband from TI customer BodyMedia, with extraordinary sensing abilities based on TI's ultra-low-power microcontroller and connectivity technologies.
The GoWear fit system is designed to help users manage personal health and fitness, from calorie consumption to exercise and sleep efficiency.
The system consists of an armband, which gathers data from the wearer's skin, and a wristwatch. Using a TI wireless transmitter, the armband sends the data to the wristwatch display so that wearers can track their progress. Additionally, the armband sends the data to a computer software program that produces detailed reports.
"Rather than the general data you might get from an exercise machine, the GoWear fit armband tracks actual activity levels and gives users personalized information," said Carol Primdahl, medical business development manager.
"People also liked the feedback on the quality of their sleep, which really impacts your energy level. The better your sleep, the easier it is to diet and exercise," she said.
At session's end, 95 percent of the dieters who wore the armband lost weight, an average of 11.4 pounds. Two-thirds of the non-wearers lost weight, on average 10.2 pounds. The small pilot was not scientifically valid; however, it does illustrate TI's healthy pursuits and its passion for developing technology that positively impacts people.
Read more in TI’s citizenship report here.
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