Wearables in Review: Actigraph GT9X Link
Actigraph is a veteran wearable company that exclusively targets the clinical audience, with the GT9X Link serving as a primary example. We recommend this device for use in the clinical space as its long battery life and simple interface make it an ideal candidate for a variety of participants. In addition, Actigraph’s dedication to data transparency will always be appealing to researchers. However, with rapid innovation in the wearable landscape, the GT9X Link is at risk of falling behind.
Our Favorite Features
The Actigraph GT9X Link is prominent in clinical research for a reason. It collects all the necessary basic health metrics such as heart rate and sleep, and its battery life is considerably longer than many of its other competitors. It’s also one of the only wearables on the market that has received FDA clearance as a Class II medical device. Because of their heavy clinical background, Actigraph is a heavily transparent device manufacturer when it comes to data collection and analysis. Their API is publicly available, and they share every aspect of their algorithms used to calculate transformed data.
What’s Missing
While the GT9X Link’s technology is reliable, it is quite a bit older than its competitors and lacks the same sleek design as newer models from other competitors such as Fitbit and Apple. Actigraph has a newer wearable than the GT9X, the CentrePoint Insight Watch, but it lacks what we consider a critical component: a heart rate monitor. Even though the GT9X Link can track heart rate, it needs a compatible device from Polar to do so. Internal heart monitoring sensors are included in nearly every new wearable on the market. The device also lacks the ability to transmit data wirelessly, requiring a base station for researchers to receive subject data.
Clinical Trial Presence
Actigraph is one of the most prominent wearables mentioned in clinical research by a long shot. Data is customizable to researchers, meaning they can control whether subjects are able to view collected data. This is especially valuable in observational studies where the goal is to log data with as little outside influence as possible.
In addition, the device calculates an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), derived from data collected by the gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer. IMUs track body position and rotation, which is why the wearable often serves as a fall detector in numerous clinical studies focusing on mobility in the elderly.
What This Means for the Future
Actigraph has a strong foundation in data transparency and a clinical focus that we seek in the perfect wearable. We’re eager to see innovation from this manufacturer, especially when it comes to completely wireless data collection and transmission. However, because Actigraph exclusively targets clinicians and will likely seek FDA clearance for their next device, we expect the process to take much longer than a more consumer-focused wearable. Nevertheless, we believe the wait will be worthwhile.
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate, magnetometer
Activity/Measurement Data: Calories burned, heart rate (only available when used with a compatible Bluetooth monitor), sleep, steps
Metrics: Activity, sleep quality, posture
Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
MSRP: Unknown
Battery Life: Two weeks
Waterproof Rating: Water resistant up to 1 meter
Average Consumer Rating: Not available for consumer purchase
