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Steps event in API Based Data Sources

ROOK takes a step forward in the accuracy and accessibility of physical activity data with the launch of Steps Event in API Based Data Sources, a new feature that enables hourly step event extraction directly from the API Based Data Sources. Until now, this capability was only available through SDK integration, leading to inconsistencies in data collection for clients relying exclusively on the API Based Data Sources.
Enhanced Accuracy and Smart Synchronization
This new functionality implements an advanced polling mechanism that queries each data source every hour, ensuring real-time data updates. Additionally, the system is optimized to respect each provider’s API rate limits, ensuring smooth and efficient integration.
Key Benefits of the New Steps Event API Based Data Sources:
Real-time data: Step events are now recorded hourly, providing a more accurate view of physical activity.
Smart synchronization: Avoids duplicate entries by consolidating data from multiple sources and always delivering the most precise value.
Efficient querying strategy: Optimizes the frequency of requests to prevent service restrictions or API rate limitations from third-party platforms.
Advanced error handling: Detects and manages failures in data extraction, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Security and scalability: Built on a microservices-based infrastructure with secure protocols for credential and data management.
Receiving JSON only via Data Webhook
 Below is a sample JSON payload delivered when receiving step event data through our Data Webhook:
{
   "version":2,
   "data_structure":"steps_event",
   "client_uuid":"client_uuid",
   "user_id":"10053949724",
   "document_version":1,
   "auto_detected":false,
   "physical_health":{
      "events":{
         "steps_event":[
            {
               "metadata":{
                  "datetime_string":"2025-02-27T21:29:26.747000+05:00",
                  "user_id_string":"10053949724",
                  "sources_of_data_array":[
                     "Apple Health"
                  ],
                  "was_the_user_under_physical_activity_bool":false
               },
               "steps":{
                  "accumulated_steps_int":8546
               },
               "non_structured_data_array":[]
            }
         ]
      }
   }
}
A Solution Designed to Scale
This enhancement not only improves data accuracy but also prepares ROOK’s infrastructure to support a growing user base without compromising performance. The microservices-based architecture and use of scalable technologies ensure that Steps Event in API Based Data Sources remains a robust and future-ready solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steps Event in API Based Data Sources?
Steps Event in API is a new feature that enables hourly step event extraction directly through the ROOK API, providing real-time access to users’ physical activity data.
Why is this functionality important?
Previously, step event data was only available via SDKs, leading to inconsistencies in data retrieval. With this update, the API now offers synchronized and precise information.
What is the difference between step extraction via API and via SDK?
SDKs: ROOK already extracts step data every hour from SDKs integrated with devices such as Apple Health and Health Connect.
API: With this new feature, the API can now extract step data hourly, aligning with the information obtained from SDKs.
How does the API collect step data?
ROOK’s API uses a polling mechanism that queries each data source every hour while ensuring API rate limits from each provider are not exceeded.
What happens if no data is available for a user at a given time?
If no step data is found in a query, the API will return the following structure with accumulated_steps_int set to 0:
{
    "sources_of_data": "Apple Health",
    "user_id": "pacoTestDev-000000ca",
    "client_uuid": "000000ca-e4fe-47af-8ff6-187bca92f3f9",
    "datetime": "2025-03-05T13:41:52.087-06:00",
    "was_the_user_under_physical_activity": false,
    "accumulated_steps_int": 0,
    "data_type": "physical_steps_event",
    "data_structure_version": "2",
    "created_at": "2025-03-05T19:41:56.100339Z"
}
How does the API handle data duplication?
To prevent duplicate records, the following rules apply:
If a user has multiple data sources, the highest step count value is sent.
If the user has a null or zero value for the day, the last valid record is sent.
If a new value is lower than the previous one, it is not sent, ensuring a continuous upward progression.
What data providers are compatible with Steps Event in API Based Data Sources?
ROOK currently supports integration with the following APIs:
Garmin
Oura
Polar
Withings
How are pre-existing step data handled?
Currently, the API only allows real-time step data extraction on an hourly basis. pre-existing data retrieval is not supported through this method, but users can access physical summaries for past data.
How can I start using Steps Event in API Based Data Sources?
To enable this feature, clients must validate their access with ROOK. For more details on integration, technical documentation, or support, please contact the ROOK support team.