No accurate fitness tracking for people with disabilities?

sjsjsjsjsjsjs wrote:

Yes, clearly. The issue seems to be, in my experience and that of several others I know, that it tracks fitness based on average fitness capability for able-bodied folks.

I don't think that's the case.

For the people I know who are having this problem, our general mode of exercise is walking, either indoors or outdoors. So there is leg movement, but not much swinging of arms. Sometimes there is no real increase in heart rate, because it's mostly the act of getting up and moving our physical bodies that is the goal. There is some arm movement/heart rate increase, but not enough to register, apparently -- even the workout modes often do not register exercise minutes, or only captures a fraction of them.

If you don't have a lot of arm movement, Apple recommends that you use the Workout app:

If you need both hands while walking, for example to push a stroller, you can still earn Exercise credit with the Workout app. Open the app on your Apple Watch and tap Outdoor Walk. The Activity app relies on arm motion and an accelerometer to track movement, but the Workout app can use the accelerometer, the heart rate sensor, and GPS.

Get the most accurate measurements using your Apple Watch - Apple Support

I don't know if that will entirely solve your issue but it's worth a try.

So, I think that the issue isn't that the watch bases fitness on an average of able-bodied folks but that it bases it on what constitutes exercise for able-bodied folks. From a practical perspective, I guess there isn't much difference, though.

I strongly suggest that, when you get a chance, you and others with the same problem, submit feedback to Apple. The more people who do, the more chance there is that change will happen.

The spoon reference is related to an anecdotal metaphor called spoon theory. I will see if Apple will allow me to drop a link below:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/spoon-theory-chronic-illness/

Very interesting. Although my chronic conditions are, I suspect, very different from yours, this resonates. Thank you for responding so kindly to my curiosity.

The watch shouldn't stop capturing data just because you did more on one day than most of the others. I have days when I do barely 1000 steps and day were I walk several miles. The wide variation seems to get picked up. So, I don't know why you should be seeing that. The watch certainly doesn't know if you qualify for ADA or not.

I would note that in order for something to be captured as "Exercise" it needs to be the equivalent of a brisk walk, meaning your heart rate needs to get up that high (based on your personal information). What kind of exercise are you doing?

The Stand ring is perhaps the most confusing of all. In order to get credit, you must stand up and move around, preferably moving your arms, for at least one minute every hour. Just standing up or standing still doesn't give you credit. I think Apple could be clearer about that.

Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

You might also find this useful:

How to contact Apple for accessibility support - Apple Support

And, just because I'm curious, what does "a few more available spoons" mean?

Send Apple your feedback directly: Product Feedback - Apple

I'm sorry. I did miss that bit. My apologies.

Definitely submit feedback. Complain to support. It is really terrible that it is incumbent upon you (pl) to do that work but, I suspect, if you don't, it won't happen. Post what you submit as feedback and I will be happy to also submit it.