Smartwatch Technology Found to Help People Quit Smoking, New Study Reveals
A recent study has unveiled an innovative method to help people quit smoking using **smartwatch technology**. According to a study conducted by **Bristol University** in the UK, a specially developed motion sensor software in smartwatches can aid individuals in breaking free from the addictive habit of smoking.
### How Does It Work?
The software detects specific hand movements when a person is holding a cigarette. Upon identifying the cigarette, the smartwatch sends an alert on the screen and vibrates, accompanied by a supportive **text message**. This timely intervention is designed to help individuals stay committed to their goal of quitting smoking, particularly during moments of weakness.
The application aims to reinforce an individual’s determination to quit, especially when cravings may be overwhelming. Researchers believe that the immediate feedback from the smartwatch can help smokers regain focus during these critical moments and avoid giving in to the temptation.
### Study Details
The study involved **18 participants**, aged between **18 to 70**, who were all eager to quit smoking. Each participant was provided with a smartwatch equipped with the developed software and app. The smartwatches were worn for **two weeks**, and participants were also required to fill out a questionnaire with **27 questions**.
### Key Findings
– **66%** of participants expressed a willingness to wear the motion-sensor smartwatch.
– **61%** found the content of the messages sent by the app to be **relevant and helpful**.
– Overall, participants provided positive feedback regarding the app, stating it was an effective tool in assisting them with quitting smoking.
However, some participants noted that receiving the same type of message repeatedly caused the effectiveness of the program to decrease over time.
### Next Steps
Following the promising results of the initial trial, the researchers plan to further test the software on a long-term basis. They also aim to incorporate **different types of messages** to maintain the effectiveness of the program and cater to the individual needs of participants.
### Conclusion
This study is a significant step forward in leveraging technology, particularly wearable devices like smartwatches, to support public health initiatives and help smokers in their journey to quit. The results of this research have been published in the **JMIR Formative Research Journal**.
