A new study has shown that the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor that is integrated into the Apple Watch Series 6 has the ability to accurately predict levels of stress. ECG data, including heart acceleration and deceleration capacity, were found to have a close association with the participants’ reported stress levels at the time the readings were taken in the study, which involved a large number of participants. The study found that this association was significant.
The researchers were able to develop machine learning algorithms and create a prediction model for stress by making use of the information that was provided. It was discovered that the models that were created had a “high level of precision,” yet they had a lower recall. In spite of this, the researchers came to the conclusion that the Apple Watch has “promising” potential for predicting stressful events.
The Apple Watch’s capacity to gather a wide variety of data pertaining to the wearer’s health, such as information on the wearer’s sleep and activity levels, is one of its most notable advantages. The researchers are of the opinion that it may be possible to improve the accuracy of stress prediction models by including these new data points.
Apple has not yet added a function that calculates a stress score to its Health app, despite the fact that competitor devices from companies such as Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin already have this capability. However, the researchers who carried out the study believe that the Apple Watch might potentially be utilized to assist in mental health care by providing users with activities such as breathing exercises to counteract stress signals and by responding promptly to changes in mental health.
It is becoming increasingly popular to employ wearable technology to measure and track levels of stress in an individual’s body. It may be feasible to identify and handle stress sooner by using the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor on the Apple Watch to predict stress. This may lead to improved mental health outcomes for individuals. The findings of this study indicate that the Apple Watch could be a useful tool for assisting with the management of stress and improving mental health. However, additional research is required to fully grasp the potential of the Apple Watch for stress prediction.