Smartwatches Aid in Smoking Cessation, Study Finds
A pioneering study from the University of Bristol suggests that smartwatches could be an effective tool in helping people quit smoking. The research team has developed an innovative motion sensor-based software that can detect the distinct hand movements associated with smoking.
Here’s how it works: when smoking is detected, a warning appears on the smartwatch screen. Simultaneously, an accompanying app sends a personalized, supportive text message to the user. These messages are crafted by and for ex-smokers, aiming to encourage and assist users in their quit attempt.
"I can still remember the way to my freedom, one step away from my old me…"
"I’ve reduced my cigarette intake by 10 today. Keep it up!"
The Bristol University researchers believe this intervention is the first of its kind to run entirely on a smartwatch, eliminating the need for a paired smartphone.
Chris Stone, from the university’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, notes that the initial stages of quitting are crucial. He suggests, "People like smartwatches and they like the idea of receiving messages while they’re having a cigarette. If we can identify these failure points and provide interventions at these precise moments, we could improve the success of quitting attempts."
In trials involving 18 smokers aged 18 to 70, who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day with their right hand, the smartwatch app showed promising results. After two weeks of using the TicWatch Pro, equipped with the sensor software, participants completed a 27-question survey.
The feedback was predominantly positive, with 66% finding the smartwatch acceptable to use and 61% finding the messages relevant. Some users reported increased awareness of their smoking habits, positive encouragement to quit, and helpful reminders.
However, there were criticisms too: repeated messages losing their impact, delays in message delivery, and a lack of message variation.
Next steps involve lengthier, more varied messaging to test long-term effectiveness. Alizée Froguel, head of prevention policy at Cancer Research UK, welcomes the findings but advises, "There’s still more work to do to understand how effective this method could be. There are many other methods and aids available to help people stop smoking, and the best chance of success is often with the support of a free local stop smoking service."
The study, published in JMIR Formative Research, offers promise that smart technology can aid smokers in their quest to quit.
Sources: University of Bristol, Cancer Research UK
