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As we enter 2025, many people are looking to lead healthier lifestyles, and for smokers, quitting may be a top priority. A new study from the University of Bristol suggests that a smartwatch app could be the key to breaking free from the habit. The research, published in JMIR Formative Research, shows that smartwatches equipped with custom apps using motion sensors to detect smoking behavior may help people quit smoking, potentially aiding over two-thirds of users.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable illness and premature death worldwide, harming nearly every organ in the body. Despite numerous attempts by smokers to quit, success rates remain low. This study offers a potential new tool to combat the addiction.
The researchers created a smartphone app designed to run entirely on a smartwatch, which utilized its built-in motion sensors to recognize the characteristic hand movements associated with smoking. The app would then send a relapse prevention message precisely when a smoking lapse was detected, providing real-time support during a crucial moment.
In the feasibility study, 18 participants—each interested in quitting smoking—wore an Android smartwatch loaded with the app for two weeks. The intervention helped raise participants’ awareness of their smoking habits, prompting them to reflect on their actions and ultimately encouraging them to quit. The app was deemed effective by 66% of participants (12 out of 18), showing promise in the development of wearable technology for relapse prevention.
Chris Stone, Senior Research Associate at Bristol’s Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group, emphasized the potential of this wearable intervention. “For those trying to quit, a lapse can be a vulnerable moment that leads to a full relapse. The appeal of a smartwatch delivering a message right at the moment of a smoking lapse gives us a unique opportunity to improve success rates in quitting,” he explained.
Alizée Froguel, Cancer Research UK’s prevention policy manager, echoed the findings, noting that smoking is the leading cause of cancer in the UK. “This study shows promise in using smartwatches to help people quit smoking, but more research is needed to understand the long-term effectiveness,” she stated.
Although the initial results are promising, researchers suggest that a more extensive trial be conducted to assess the long-term impact of the smartwatch intervention. With further research, this could be a game-changing tool for those trying to quit smoking, marking an exciting step in the battle against tobacco addiction.
