Smartwatch App Shows Promise in Helping Smokers Quit
A new smartwatch app designed to help smokers quit is showing promising results in preliminary studies. developed by researchers at the University of Bristol, the app uses motion sensors to detect the hand movements associated with smoking and delivers timely intervention messages directly to the smartwatch. “For those trying to give up smoking, an initial lapse is a vulnerable moment, and risks leading to a full relapse,” explains Chris Stone, of the University of Bristol’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group. “people like smartwatches. they like the idea of it delivering a message at the point that they smoke. Thus, if we can identify this point of lapse, and deliver an intervention precisely at that point, we have an opportunity to improve the success of the quit attempt.” During a feasibility study, 18 participants wore Ticwatch smartwatches loaded with the custom app for two weeks. The app, which doesn’t require pairing with a smartphone, vibrated and displayed messages designed by former smokers offering support and encouragement. Some messages highlighted the benefits of quitting,while others tracked the participant’s smoking frequency. The study found that 66% of participants found the smartwatch app acceptable to wear, and 61% found the message content relevant. Participants reported that the app raised awareness of their smoking habits,made them feel more positive about quitting,and provided constant encouragement. While the initial results are encouraging, the researchers acknowledge the need for further inquiry. “This study shows that smartwatches could be a useful method to help people quit smoking, but more research is needed to understand how effective they are,” says Alizee Froguel, prevention policy manager at Cancer Research UK. The researchers are advocating for a larger-scale effectiveness trial with a longer duration and a greater variety of messages. If proven effective, this smartwatch app could become a valuable tool in the fight against smoking.How It Works
The app utilizes built-in motion sensors within the smartwatch to detect the specific hand-to-mouth gestures associated with smoking. once detected, the smartwatch vibrates and displays a personalized message aimed at discouraging the user from continuing to smoke. These messages, developed in collaboration with former smokers, offer support, encouragement, and reminders of the benefits of quitting.## Coudl a Smartwatch Help You Quit Smoking?
We sat down wiht Chris Stone, of the University of Bristol’s Tobacco & alcohol Research Group, to discuss promising new research into a smartwatch app designed to aid smokers in quitting.
**Archyde:** Can you tell us a bit about this innovative app and how it effectively works?
**Chris Stone:**
The app uses motion sensors already built into smartwatches to detect the hand-to-mouth movements associated with smoking. When these movements are detected, the smartwatch vibrates and displays a personalized message intended to discourage the smoker from continuing.
**Archyde:** What kind of messages are we talking about?
**Chris stone:** The messages were developed in collaboration with former smokers and offer different types of support. Some focus on encouragement and positive reinforcement, while others highlight the benefits of quitting smoking, or track the individual’s smoking frequency.
**Archyde:** Early studies seem to suggest this could be a promising avenue for helping people quit. What were some of the key findings?
**Chris Stone:** We found that a significant majority of participants found the app acceptable to wear and the messaging relevant to them. They reported that it increased their awareness of their smoking habits, made them feel more positive about quitting, and provided consistent encouragement.
**Archyde:** While these initial results are encouraging, what are the next steps for this research?
**Chris Stone:** We definitely need to do more research. A larger-scale, longer-term study with a wider variety of messages is crucial to truly understand the effectiveness of this app.
**Archyde:** What are your thoughts on the potential impact if this app proves to be truly effective?
**Chris Stone:** I think it might very well be a game changer. Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular, and this app could be a powerful tool in the fight against smoking, allowing for personalized, timely interventions right at the point of temptation.
**Archyde:** Do you think technology like this could be a key piece of the puzzle in helping people overcome addiction? Let us no your thoughts in the comments below.
## Archyde News Interview: Could Your Smartwatch Help You Quit Smoking?
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to the Archyde daily Spotlight. Today, we’re diving into a promising new progress in the fight against smoking – a smartwatch app designed to help people kick the habit. Joining us to discuss this innovative technology is Chris stone, a researcher at the University of Bristol’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group and one of the minds behind this groundbreaking project. Chris, thanks for being with us.
**Chris Stone:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, Chris, tell us about this app. How does it work, and what makes it unique?
**Chris Stone:**
The app utilizes the motion sensors already present in most modern smartwatches to detect the specific hand-to-mouth movements associated with smoking. We then programmed the watch to deliver timely intervention messages directly to the user at the crucial moment of that lapse, exactly when they’re about to smoke. [[1](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37856173/)]
**Host:** That’s fascinating! Explain why this “point of lapse” is so critical for quitting.
**Chris Stone:**
For someone trying to quit, that initial slip-up, that moment of weakness, can be incredibly tough.It’s a vulnerable moment, and it often leads to a full relapse. By catching smokers at this critical point and offering support and encouragement directly on their wrists,we hope to disrupt this cycle and help them stay on track.
**Host:**
Sounds very promising. You conducted a feasibility study with 18 participants. What were some of the key findings?
**Chris Stone:**
We were very encouraged by the results. 66% of participants found the smartwatch app acceptable to wear, which is a important hurdle for any wearable tech. Additionally,61% found the messages relevant and helpful. They reported increased awareness of their smoking habits, a more positive attitude towards quitting, and a sense of constant encouragement.
**Host:**
That’s great to hear! What’s next for this project?
**Chris Stone:**
We’re advocating for a larger-scale effectiveness trial with a longer duration and a wider variety of messages. We want to understand how effective this app is in the long term and how we can further personalize the experience to maximize its impact.
**Host:**
This technology has the potential to be a real game-changer in the fight against smoking. Thank you for sharing your insights, Chris. We look forward to following the progress of this project.
**Chris Stone:**
Thank you for having me.
**(Outro Music)**
