ABSTRACT
This chapter presents zero-effort technologies (ZETs) for performing ambient physiological monitoring by discussing how two conditions commonly associated with aging, namely dementia and cardiovascular disease, could benefit from this type of monitoring before introducing the concepts of remote physiological monitoring, pervasive computing and ZETs. This is followed by discussion on three form factors used in ambient physiological monitoring—a standing-form factor, bed and sitting-form factor. ZETs, which require little or no effort from the person operating the device, are an excellent option for physiological monitoring in several ways. First of all, ZETs remove the burden of operating equipment from both the person being monitored and his or her caregivers. This is especially valuable for populations, such as people with dementia. The chapter discusses the activity monitoring and the general clinical relevance of zero- effort physiological monitoring.
