The global digital health market is projected to surpass $900 billion by 2030, driven by the explosion of wearable devices and remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions (Source: McKinsey & Company).

In clinical research, these connected technologies are transforming how patient data is collected, analyzed, and leveraged to drive evidence-based insights. Yet, the challenge remains: how do you integrate vast streams of wearable data into compliant, scalable clinical trial platforms without compromising accuracy or privacy?

This article compares six leading platforms for wearable integration in clinical trials—including Fitbit, Garmin, Withings, Medable, THREAD Research, and Health Studio—and explores how Health Studio’s AI-first approach stands out as the next-generation solution for life sciences and digital health innovators.

The Challenge: Fragmented Wearable Data and Legacy Systems

Despite major advances in digital health, most clinical research environments still rely on siloed infrastructure, inconsistent data standards, and manual onboarding workflows.

According to McKinsey & Company, nearly 78% of clinical trials fail to finish on time, often due to inefficient data management, poor interoperability, and regulatory complexity.

Key barriers include:

• Interoperability between diverse device APIs and EHR systems
• Regulatory compliance challenges with HIPAA, GDPR, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11
• Inconsistent data quality from consumer-grade devices
• Manual processes that limit scalability and increase error rates

Top Platforms for Wearable Integration in Clinical Trials

Fitbit Health Solutions (Google)

Fitbit Health Solutions provides one of the most accessible ecosystems for wearable data collection. Its devices are trusted for heart rate, sleep, and activity monitoring, and its partnership with Google Health enables HIPAA-ready infrastructure for research.

• Best for: Wellness, behavioral, and observational studies
• Key Strengths: Established device base, seamless Google Cloud integrations
• Limitations: Consumer-grade APIs not optimized for regulated trials

(Source: Fitbit Health Solutions)

Garmin Health SDK

Garmin Health offers robust APIs for real-time biometric streaming, including HRV, SpO₂, and activity data. Its SDK allows researchers to collect high-fidelity sensor data, making it ideal for clinical-grade analytics.

• Best for: Cardiovascular, metabolic, and activity-based studies
• Key Strengths: Research-grade precision, customizable SDKs
• Limitations: Requires developer resources and custom integration

(Source: Garmin Health Research Program)

Withings Health Data Hub

Withings has earned recognition for its clinically validated devices—including FDA-cleared blood pressure monitors and body composition scales. Its Health Data Hub supports GDPR compliance and interoperability through secure APIs.

• Best for: EU-based or hybrid wellness and clinical trials
• Key Strengths: Medical-grade sensors, strong European compliance footprint
• Limitations: Limited to Withings devices and ecosystem

(Source: Withings Health Solutions)

Medable

Medable focuses on decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), emphasizing patient engagement and digital consent tools. While it offers strong trial management capabilities, it relies on third-party vendors for wearable data ingestion.

• Best for: Large-scale, patient-centric DCTs
• Key Strengths: End-to-end trial management, intuitive patient UX
• Limitations: No native wearable integration

(Source: Medable)

THREAD Research

THREAD delivers a hybrid approach to clinical research, offering global scalability and integrations with major data providers. Its platform supports wearables but often depends on middleware to unify device data.

• Best for: Multi-country studies and hybrid trial designs
• Key Strengths: Comprehensive DCT tools, flexible data model
• Limitations: Requires manual setup for wearable API connections
• (Source: THREAD Research)

Health Studio

Health Studio offers an AI-first, enterprise-grade solution for multi-device integration, data harmonization, and clinical compliance. Bridging the gap between traditional Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS) and modern AI ecosystems—enabling academic institutions and life sciences organizations to operate connected, compliant, and intelligent trials.

Key Capabilities:

• Multi-device connectivity: One unified API for all wearables
• AI-driven analytics: Built on Vertex AI and BigQuery for predictive insights
• Compliance by design: Uses Google Cloud’s HIPAA-ready infrastructure
• End-to-end trial management: From recruitment to eConsent and data visualization

(Source: Health Studio Device Connect)

Actionable Takeaways for Clinical Researchers

1. Prioritize interoperability: Choose a platform that supports FHIR-based, multi-device data interoperability.
2. Automate compliance: Leverage HIPAA- and GDPR-aligned data governance frameworks.
3. Adopt AI analytics: Use machine learning and anomaly detection to transform wearable data into actionable insights.
4. Invest in scalability: Ensure your infrastructure supports new device types and global participant cohorts.
5. Select strategic partners: Collaborate with platforms like Health Studio that integrate Google Cloud, Vertex AI, and BigQuery for smarter, compliant research.

The Future of Connected Clinical Research

The future of clinical trials will be AI-enabled, cloud-powered platform, and continuously connected. Platforms that unify wearable data, automate compliance, and deliver predictive insights will define the next era of healthcare innovation.

Health Studio leads this evolution—bridging devices, data, and decisions in one intelligent platform that accelerates outcomes and improves patient experiences.

Ready to modernize your clinical research?

Book a demo today to explore how Health Studio can power your next study with AI, wearables, and cloud-native precision.

Citations

• McKinsey & Company — Accelerating Clinical Trials to Improve Biopharma R&D Productivity, 2024.
• Google Cloud — Generative AI in Healthcare & Life Sciences Report, 2025.
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — 21 CFR Part 11: Electronic Records; Electronic Signatures, 2024.
• World Health Organization (WHO) — Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025.
• Fitbit Health Solutions, Garmin Health Research Program, Withings Health Solutions, Medable, THREAD Research.