The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has launched Health and Fitness Technology Division in response to the growing role consumer electronics devices are playing in improving health and fitness. The division, originating as the Health and Fitness Technology Working Group in 2010, has made several valuable contributions to the industry during the past four years, says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA.

CEA’s report, "The Connected Health and Wellness Market" (http://tinyurl.com/l8xna4w), created in conjunction with Parks Associates, forecasts that the evolution of U.S. healthcare will result in a 142% increase over the next five years in personal health and wellness product sales as well as software and service revenues. A second CEO report shows consumer interest in purchasing dedicated wearable fitness devices specifically in the next 12 months, quadrupled in 2013, making it the largest year-over-year increase for any category of fitness device.

"We live in extraordinary times, where consumers are taking more responsibility for their health and fitness. New technologies are playing a key role, transforming health care and empowering people to reach their fitness goals as never before," says Health and Fitness Technology Division Chairman Woody Scal, chief revenue officer, Fitbit. "I’m excited to help establish a truly impressive board to help move that transformation forward."

Prominently on display at the 2014 CES show in January, digital health technology had its largest dedicated footprint ever, increasing by 40%, as did the digital fitness presence, which increased by 30%.