Purpose

The purpose was to explore the efficacy of a commercial smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature.

Design

A randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Sixty healthy young adults were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to wear a commercial smartwatch, one with and one without a blood pressure-monitoring feature for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Omron HEM-907, Inbody 270S, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Findings

Results revealed a significant effect and group-by-time interaction on diastolic blood pressure. After 12 weeks in participants who wore a smartwatch with a blood pressure-monitoring feature, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate had decreased.

Conclusion

Using commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure-monitoring feature is a feasible approach to support self-management, increase awareness, and promote physical activity for health promotion, obesity and chronic disease prevention.

Clinical relevance

Wearable technologies may be an innovative strategy for preventing high blood pressure by continuous self-monitoring and healthy behavior modifications.