By: Jo Ann Santiago, MD, Triple-S Associate Medical Director
The Oura Ring has become one of the most talked-about devices on social media, especially on TikTok, where influencers and tech enthusiasts promote it as a revolutionary tool for health monitoring. This smart ring promises to track sleep, physical activity, and various biometric parameters.
What is it, and what does it promise?
The device uses sensors to measure heart rate, body temperature, activity levels, and sleep patterns. This mobile app provides users with insights into their daily “readiness,” sleep quality, and stress levels.
Reliability and Limitations
Although independent studies have shown that the Oura Ring has a certain level of accuracy in measuring sleep and heart rate, it is important to note that it is not a medical device certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Viral TikTok videos presenting it as an alternative to traditional medical devices can be misleading and potentially dangerous.
Risks of Relying on Non-Certified Technology
The trend of replacing approved medical devices with fashionable gadgets presents several risks:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis due to reliance on medically unvalidated data
- A false sense of security that may lead to ignoring important symptoms
- Health decisions based on inaccurate information
The Importance of Certified Devices
FDA-approved medical devices undergo rigorous validation processes that ensure:
- Accuracy and reliability in measurements
- Specific safety standards
- Established calibration protocols
- Verified scientific backing
Statements from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) regarding such devices highlight:
AHA Scientific Statement (2022):
- Recognizes potential utility for physical activity monitoring in clinical settings
- Emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific validation
- Warns about limitations in accuracy and reliability
- Recommends use as a complement, not a replacement for medical evaluation
ACC Expert Consensus (2021):
- Highlights potential benefits for patient engagement
- Stresses the importance of professional data interpretation
- Warns about the risk of anxiety from excessive self-monitoring
- Recommends caution in using such devices for clinical decision-making
Both organizations agree that these devices can be useful tools for increasing health awareness but should not be used for diagnosing or independently managing medical conditions.
Conclusion
While the Oura Ring can be an interesting tool for increasing awareness of health habits, it should not be used as a substitute for certified medical devices. To monitor specific medical conditions, it is always necessary to use FDA-approved equipment and consult qualified healthcare professionals.
Social media popularity does not equate to medical validation. It is essential to maintain a balance between adopting new technologies and trusting proven and certified methods for healthcare.
Referencias:
“Validation of Sleep-Tracking Technology Compared with Polysomnography in Adolescents” (Sleep Medicine, 2020)
“The Sleep of the Ring: Comparison of the ŌURA Sleep Tracker Against Polysomnography” (Behavioral Sleep Medicine, 2019)
AHA Scientific Statement (2022): “Consumer-Wearable Activity Trackers as a Tool for Physical Activity Monitoring in Clinical Settings”
ACC Expert Consensus (2021): “2021 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on the Management of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Patients with Persistent Hypertriglyceridemia”
