Innovative health tracker that provides advanced functionalities to support and guide users in modifying their lifestyle: a Straussian ground theory approach

Front Psychol. 2024 Jun 14:15:1389340. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1389340. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Objective: Health can be described as the state of homeostasis and optimal functioning across various bio-psycho-social dimensions and processes, allowing an individual to adapt and respond effectively to extrinsic and intrinsic challenges. Our thoughts, choices, behaviors, experiences, and feelings shape our existence. By transitioning from unconscious reactions to conscious responses, we can establish novel habits and behaviors, actively embracing positive shifts in our lifestyle.

Subjects and methods: The presented examination focuses on the smartwatch (SW), analyzing the incorporation of potentially progressive attributes that could enrich our lifestyle pursuits. The objective is not the health disorders themselves but the employment of wearable devices to create a strong sense of coherence in the Straussian grounded theory approach. The study had no subjects.

Results: The potential of the SW has been partially explored in lifestyle intervention, modification, research, and practice.

Conclusion: Based on our examination, creating an innovative SW capable of aiding individuals in better comprehending their behaviors and motivating them toward comprehensive changes in their lifestyle is a challenging yet attainable endeavor. Our ambition is to bring into existence SW capable of comprehensively measuring and evaluating interoception, circadian rhythm (CR), selected lifestyle pillars, and their associated components, and seamlessly integrating them into current SW features. It focuses on boosting motivation, maintenance, and amelioration regarding one's lifestyle. The novel approach strives to boost both immediate and underlying factors that actively contribute to improving one's metacognition.

Keywords: circadian rhythm; digital watch; health monitoring; interoception; neuroplasticity; well-being promotion.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was sponsored by the Garmin 2023 EMEA Research Grant. No financial contributions were made by Garmin Company or any additional sources. Garmin was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication.