April 23, 2025
Aggregation and transfer of SmartWatch data empowers health research research.
Citizen Science – The practice of scientists and researchers working with the public on projects and initiatives is rapidly increasing due to the evolution and spread of technologies such as smartphones, smartwatches and other devices. Currently, researchers can receive a large amount of health metrics from people around the world, and participants can choose to share high-quality data thanks to the Garmin Health Connected ecosystem. This Garmin Health Research Glimpse shows how citizen science is affecting the scientific research field of public health.
Identify predictors of happiness through health data
Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Chan School of Public Health Research – Working with Wellbe Ingrise Search Centre at Oxford University, Warwick University, University of Saskatchewan, Avicenna and Garmin
the study: Participants will choose to provide Garmin SmartWatch data and fill out the survey three times a day for smartphone surveys. Researchers cross-reference the cross-reference results with health indicators to identify correlations between health, happiness and happiness. Research into health and happinessCurrently, the Global Phase is looking for 10,000 global participants.
How does Garmin become a factor?As an exclusive smartwatch provider, Garmin plays a key role by leveraging the high quality sensor data from its product portfolio. Through Garmin Health API Integration and Avicenna, Garmin SmartWatch can all submit data to research teams over the course of your research. Key health measurements include stress, heart rate, sleep quality and daily activities.
the goal: The first large-scale study of this kind in this field is attempting to use smartwatch and smartphone data to identify predictors of happiness and happiness to inform global public policy and product development.
Investigating genetic determinants of physical ability
Stanford University Ashley Lab
the study: Elite Research Analyse the world’s top endurance athletes to better understand the genetics of peak performance. Stanford is recruiting 10,000 athletes with the largest aerobic capacity in the top 1% of the population.
How does Garmin become a factor?: Researchers collect DNA via saliva, ask participants to complete a survey and obtain estimates of VO2 Max from Garmin SmartWatches. To qualify, applicants must have a maximum VO2 maximum life of 55+ for women and 65 or more men. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise (measured in milliliters per kilogram per minute). This is a common predictor of fitness and can be estimated via several Garmin smartwatches.
the goalBy striving to determine the genetic contribution to the performance of athletes who have achieved these high VO2 maximum levels, elite research aims to better understand the importance of biology and environment to reach and optimize peak performance and health.
Studying environmental heat stress and its effects on exercise
Ludwig Boltzmann Digital Health and Prevention Institute
the study: By assessing health and exercise metrics from Garmin smartwatches, combined with environmental data on temperature and humidity and subjective measurements for perceived movement. Thermal Load Adaptation Research We would like to investigate the effects of high heat and humidity conditions on the body during exercise. The project involves participants from Europe between 18 and 55 years of age, regularly engaged in outdoor walking and running.
How does Garmin become a factor?: Through the Garmin Health API, researchers assess Garmin’s heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and activity data.
the goal: The goal is to create adaptive exercise recommendations for digital health applications and promote safer and more effective physical activity in warmer climates.
By working with Garmin Health, research institutions can leverage a global community of data-savvy individuals involved in their research participation programs. This viewer chose to use Garmin SmartWatches and Fitness Trackers to monitor health and learn more about meaningful research that can be involved.
The Garmin Health Connected Ecosystem, high quality physiological data, and a dedicated audience allow researchers to boost their research reach and retention. All information about research and clinical trials can be found here.
Garmin devices are not intended to monitor or diagnose diseases or conditions. Find information about the accuracy of the metric here.
