--- title: Tracking steps … and spines? Researchers use Fitbits to monitor back surgery recovery | Segal Benz description: The wellness revolution may be digitizing. Learn how wearable health technology, like the FitBit, is making a landmark impact. image: https://segalbenz.com/hubfs/sb-blog-default-feature_r01vQ-1-1200x680.png --- ![sb-blog-default-banner_r01vP-1-2000x1134](https://segalbenz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sb-blog-default-banner_r01vP-1-2000x1134.png?width=300&name=sb-blog-default-banner_r01vP-1-2000x1134.png) [Jennifer Benz](https://segalbenz.com/blog/author/jennifer-benz-svp-communications-leader) February 26, 2015 1 min read # Tracking steps … and spines? Researchers use Fitbits to monitor back surgery recovery [Previous post ](https://segalbenz.com/blog/worn-out-wearable-health-tech-3-strategies-lasting-behavior-change) [Next post ](https://segalbenz.com/blog/don-t-get-thrown-online-communication-join-our-master-class-session-solutions) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://segalbenz.com/blog/tracking-steps-and-spines-researchers-use-fitbits-monitor-back-surgery-recovery&title=Tracking%20steps%20…%20and%20spines?%20Researchers%20use%20Fitbits%20to%20monitor%20back%20surgery%20recovery) It seems that when it comes to wellness, the revolution will be digitized. [Wearable health technology](https://segalbenz.com/blog/putting-your-wellness-where-your-wrist-4-tips-success-wearable-health-tech)—like the Fitbit, Nike FuelBand, Jawbone UP and others—is making a landmark impact on the way consumers set, track, achieve and measure their well-being goals. That revolution is sweeping employers as well: [More than 13 million wearable health devices will be incorporated into company wellness programs by 2018](https://www.abiresearch.com/press/corporate-wellness-is-a-13-million-unit-wearable-w). However, the devices may have the potential to do more than track current health behaviors; researchers from the University of California-San Francisco, New York University, and Northwestern Medicine are using [Fitbits in a study that aims to better predict patient recovery time from spine surgery.](http://ebn.benefitnews.com/news/health-care/researchers-use-fitbits-to-predict-back-surgery-recovery-time-2745456-1.html?utm_campaign=intraday%20ebn%20intraday-jan%2020%202015&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&ET=ebnbenefitnews%3Ae3683237%3A3528217a%3A&st=email) With such exciting possibilities on the horizon, now is the time to get in on the wellness revolution—claim a FREE Fitbit Flex, valued at $100, when you join us at the third annual [Health & Benefits Leadership Conference](http://www.benefitsconf.com/index.html) (April 8–10 at the Aria Las Vegas). Pick up your device when you arrive; then, track your steps throughout the event to fund charitable organizations! View the HBLC agenda and register at [www.benefits.conf.com](http://www.benefits.conf.com). Use discount code BENZ15 to receive $75 off your registration. Register your team for an additional 10% discount. We hope to see you there! ### Work with Us We partner with organizations that value their people first. [Let’s talk.](https://segalbenz.com/contact-us-form?hsLang=en) ![Jennifer Benz](https://segalbenz.com/hubfs/Jen%20Benz-2017.jpg) [Jennifer Benz](https://segalbenz.com/blog/author/jennifer-benz-svp-communications-leader) Jennifer Benz, SVP Communications Leader, has been on the leading edge of employee benefits for more than 20 years and is an influential voice in the employee benefits industry. ![Lenovo client story banner](https://segalbenz.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Lenovo-tile-770x770-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=Lenovo-tile-770x770-1.png) Client Stories Learn how we help our clients achieve results. [ Go to client stories ](https://segalbenz.com/client-stories) Sign Up for Our Email Stay up to date with the latest in HR and benefits communications. [ Subscribe now ](https://segalbenz.com/email-alert-signup-form) Resources on Demand Check out our library of resources—free to download! [ Explore resources ](https://segalbenz.com/resources)