According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada, the Apple Watch can accurately predict stress levels.
Using the Apple Watch Series 6 ECG sensor, researchers found there was a strong association between ECG data, including the heart’s ability to accelerate and decelerate, and stress levels reported by participants in the when the exercises were performed. Machine learning algorithms were then developed using this information to create a prediction model with a “high level of accuracy”.
The study concludes that the Apple Watch has “promising” potential for predicting stress. He also adds that as the device collects more health information such as sleep and activity information, even more data could be incorporated into stress models to increase their predictive accuracy.
Researchers believe that theWatch could be used to aid mental health care, offering activities such as breathing exercises to compensate for signs of stress, responding quickly to changes in mental health. Competing devices from Samsung, Fitbit and Garmin have long offered a stress tracking feature, but Apple has yet to roll out this feature in its Health app.