Seven wearable devices health execs should watch

As the healthcare wearable industry continues to grow and innovate, technology companies are putting an emphasis on devices that also collect fitness and health data. Today, these devices come in all shapes and sizes, from clothing to jewelry to devices made just for women and older adults. Devices that are for medical use aim to fit seamlessly into patients' lives.

This slideshow highlights some of the newest wearable devices on the market look very different than the wristbands that launched the industry just a few years ago.

Worn below the knee, Quell uses electrostimulation to block pain signals and provide widespread pain relief to the user. Users with chronic pain report relief from leg, foot, back, joint and nerve pain. NeuroMix, the company that creates Quell, received FDA clearance to allow users to control the device using a mobile app. Quell also monitors users’ sleep, body position and sleep movements.

The LEAF by Bellabeat is a jewelry-inspired health tracker designed for women to measure and monitor sleep, calories burned, and reproductive health including menstrual cycle and ovulation. The tracker can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or broach. It also features an app that offers a scheduler and meditation techniques.

The Dash by Bragi is one of the first inner ear “hearables” on the market. The wireless device is a waterproof fitness tracker that measures heart rate, steps, and activity duration. It also has a 4GB music player, and using Bluetooth, streams audio. Other features include the ability to mute or amplify surrounding sound, and handle phone calls from touch spots on the device.

The Dexcom G5 Mobile continuous glucose monitor uses Bluetooth that sends data to a mobile app. A small sensor is attached to the user and measures glucose under the skin. The data is then transferred to a mobile device or a receiver that is available through Dexcom. Users are able to set high and low glucose alerts, and send alerts to emergency contacts.

The Misfit Shine 2 is an eight millimeter disc that can be worn as a watch, necklace or broach that vibrates to remind users to move throughout the day to meet fitness goals and track sleep.

The OM Smart Shirt has a pocket to insert the OM Smart Box, which tracks fitness data and communicates with a smartphone app. The device monitors heart rate, breathing rates, steps, and calories.

WiseWear offers smart jewelry, including bracelets and rings, that track steps, calories and distance through a mobile app. The device also has distress messaging, where the user can tap it to send a text and GPS location to a list of emergency contacts.