Change in 1-year health outcomes with a smartwatch-based health program in community-dwelling older adults: SWING-Japan study

Objectives Wearable devices such as smartwatches may be useful tools for managing lifestyles and health among community-dwelling older adults. We aimed to compare 1-year changes in physical, mental, and cognitive functions and health-related awareness between older adults who participated in a smartwatch-based program and those who did not. Methods This nonrandomized controlled study included participants 65 years of age or older from multiple cohort studies. Participants were asked whether they would use a smartwatch in daily life. Older adults who were willing to use a smartwatch received a smartwatch and participated in the smartwatch-based program, which included monthly feedback newsletters and access to a smartphone application, for at least 3 months (smartwatch group). Those who were unwilling to use a smartwatch comprised the comparison group. A 1:1 propensity score matching ratio was implemented. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate changes in health outcomes between groups over time. Results Of the 2,273 participants, 1,026 comprised the smartwatch group and 1,247 comprised the comparison group. After propensity score matching for potential confounders, 1,156 participants (578 matched pairs; median age, 76.0 years [interquartile range, 72.0–80.0 years]; 72.4% women) were included in the analyses. Significant time × group interactions were observed for handgrip strength (p = .016) and sleep awareness (p = .011), whereas no significant interactions were observed for gait speed, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, or exercise awareness. Conclusions Participation in a smartwatch-based program was associated with modestly better maintenance of handgrip strength and modest improvements in sleep awareness among older adults.