The efficacy of commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure-monitoring feature: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose was to explore the efficacy of a commercial smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature.

Design: A randomized controlled trial.

Methods: Sixty healthy young adults were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to wear a commercial smartwatch, one with and one without a blood pressure-monitoring feature for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Omron HEM-907, Inbody 270S, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Findings: Results revealed a significant effect and group-by-time interaction on diastolic blood pressure. After 12 weeks in participants who wore a smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate had decreased.

Conclusion: Using commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure-monitoring feature is a feasible approach to support self-management, increase awareness, and promote physical activity for health promotion, obesity and chronic disease prevention.

Clinical relevance: Wearable technologies may be an innovative strategy for preventing high blood pressure by continuous self-monitoring and healthy behavior modifications.

Keywords: awareness; hypertension; physical activity; self-management; wearable technology.