Singapore study to test if pairing wearable devices with health coaches can change lifestyle habits

It will recruit participants at risk of developing certain conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

SINGAPORE – A team from Alexandra Hospital is testing if using wearable fitness devices alone can change lifestyle habits, or if there is a need for a human health coach to nudge people regularly.

They will be randomly assigned to three groups – 700 participants will receive only a smartwatch each, 500 will get a smartwatch and a dashboard with a nudging system downloaded onto their smartphones, and the remaining 500 will get a smartwatch and a health coach who assists them digitally via the dashboard and WhatsApp.

The new initiative supports the broader Healthier SG strategy, a national game plan on preventive health. In the past, users of wearable devices – ranging from smartwatches to wristbands – made positive health changes only in the short term and motivation quickly waned, with many no longer wearing them after six months.

“There were studies that told us that nudges do work, but only for some people and not others. This is where we strongly believe that... a human component is required.”

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The Straits Times /  🏆 8. in SG

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