Apple reveals innovative new health studies that monitor people’s heart, movement and hearing
Technology giant Apple has announced “ground-breaking” new medical studies which integrate important healthcare monitoring into its popular products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch.
The studies were developed in collaboration with academic and research institutions, and provide the opportunity to reach more people than previously possible through Apple’s technology. Looking over the data provided by Apple’s new studies will offer important insights on everyday sound exposure and its impact on hearing, as well as promote improved cardiovascular health.
Participants of the studies could also contribute to potential medical discoveries and help create the next generation of innovative health products.
“With the Apple Heart Study, we found that we could positively impact medical research in ways that help patients today and that make contributions that will benefit future generations,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Today’s announcement carries our commitment to health even further by engaging with participants on a larger scale than ever before.”
The studies include:
Apple Heart and Movement Study
Apple is partnering with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association on a comprehensive study of how heart rate and mobility signals — like walking pace and flights of stairs climbed — relate to hospitalisations, falls, heart health and quality of life in order to promote healthy movement and improved cardiovascular health.
Apple Hearing Study
Alongside the University of Michigan, Apple is examining factors that impact hearing health. The Apple Hearing Health Study is the first of its kind to collect data over time in order to understand how everyday sound exposure can impact hearing. The study data will also be shared with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a contribution toward its Make Listening Safe initiative.
“At the American Heart Association, we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, and we are committed to educating and empowering people to be proactive in all areas of their heart health and general well-being,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “We believe that emerging technology solutions that seek to provide deeper health insights offer great potential in getting us there.
“We are collaborating with Apple and Brigham and Women’s Hospital on the Apple Heart and Movement Study to explore the correlation between a broad range of physical activities and a person’s overall heart health to ultimately understand risks and interventions to improve health.”
Available on Apple’s new Research app later this autumn, the studies can be downloaded for free from the App Store.