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The Hartford Business Journal reports from the Digital Health Summit that “a virtual tidal wave of wearable fitness and healthcare technology is fueling a reboot of employer wellness programs.”

The piece notes “the arrival of a whole new billion-dollar industry sector based on making tracking health metrics easy, personal, effective and cool.”

“Losing traction are corporate return-on-investment calculations that led to forced participation in cost reduction programs delivered by remote third parties.”

“Gaining ground are employee-driven, feel-good programs pitched as benefits that entice participation through use of cool wearable fitness technology that allows users to monitor their progress in real time and compete with colleagues for rewards, status and bragging rights.”

“Wearable gear being tested by employers and their workers range from activity trackers and blood pressure devices, to heart monitors and devices that measure glucose levels and calories burned. Fitness is driving today's rush to market. But investors and insurers are seeing a bright future for devices that can monitor chronic disease and help spur patients to make healthy choices.”