Apple Opens Up 3 Health Studies with New Research App
/Apple launched a new app called Research yesterday as a follow up to the Apple Watch Heart Study from a couple years ago, which I imagine was a key influence on the Apple Watch Series 4 including a built-in ECG.
US-based users can participate in any of the three studies offered so far:
- Women’s Health
- Heart and Movement
- Hearing
The Women’s Health study draws data from the Cycle Tracking app on watchOS 6 with the aim to improve scientific understand of menstrual cycles. The Heart and Movement Study uses a variety of signals from the watch, including movement and health rate information. The Hearing Study examines the impact of sound exposure on hearing health and stress levels.
I had participated in the Apple Watch Heart Study when it was available, so I went ahead and signed up to contribute data to the Heart and Movement study, and I’ll likely participate in the Hearing study, as well, since I wear an Apple Watch Series 4, which has the ability to measure decibels with its microphone.
I think these studies are very beneficial to helping devices like the Apple Watch truly help people in regards to their health. (And yes, they will undoubtedly be beneficial to Apple’s bottom line, too).
I, for one, am a sucker for the videos Apple sometimes puts out about how the Apple Watch has really saved people. It makes me happy that I wear a device that monitors my heart and can detect a fall (especially living in a climate that is covered in ice for months). You never know when you may need the extra insight, and it could vastly improve or even save your life.
So if you feel inclined, download the Research app and check out the different studies offered. If you feel comfortable with the privacy policy, contribute your data.