Garmin wearables are considered ideal devices for recording digital biomarkers in health and clinical research. They are popular among consumers, which can increase participant retention. Additionally, their devices provide a wide range of sensors and physiological metrics. Most importantly, unlike some widely known competitors, they are very supportive of helping health research and clinical trials by providing the necessary SDK and API to access detailed data.
API vs SDK Integration
When integrating Garmin devices into your study, you have two options: API Integration and SDK Integration. Each approach has its own characteristics and implications for data collection:
API Integration
- Requires participants to install the Garmin Connect app.
- Participants pair their Garmin device with the Garmin Connect app.
- Data is synced to Garmin’s servers.
- Avicenna fetches the data from Garmin’s servers.
- Data collection is managed through Garmin’s infrastructure.
Read more here.
SDK Integration
- Participants pair their Garmin device directly with the Avicenna app.
- Data is collected directly from the wearable device.
- No data is sent to Garmin’s servers.
- Provides more control over the data collection process.
Read more here.
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API and SDK integrations cannot be used simultaneously. A Garmin device can only be paired with one app at a time. You must choose one integration method for your study.