Can Smartwatches Help People Quit Smoking? New Research Shows Promise

Why Is Quitting Smoking So Difficult?

Quitting smoking is very challenging because of both physical and psychological dependence. In particular, "moments of lapse" after quitting are a critical period when the risk of a full return to smoking is highest. An innovative approach that could support people at these critical moments is smartwatch apps.

While many people use smartwatches only for fitness and health tracking, new research has revealed these devices' potential to help people stay smoke-free. A team from the University of Bristol in England developed specialized motion-sensor software to create an app that can detect smoking. How does this app work, and how does it help people who want to quit?

"Just-in-Time" Intervention with Smartwatches

The researchers developed specialized software capable of detecting smoking movements. When the software detects that someone is smoking, it triggers an alert on the smartwatch screen. The watch also sends a motivational message intended to reduce tobacco dependence. These messages contain reminders of the benefits of not smoking or personalized data, such as the number of cigarettes smoked that day and the total number of puffs taken.

For example, messages such as "Quitting smoking lets you breathe more easily … Quitting is good" or "You have smoked 10 cigarettes today and taken a total of 100 puffs" aim to increase people's awareness.

Study Details

This innovative app was introduced in a study published on 11 November 2024 in JMIR Formative Research . The study included 18 right-handed people who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day. Over a two-week period, participants tested a smartwatch tracking app called TicWatch . At the end of the trial, they provided feedback by completing a 27-question survey.

Results and Participant Feedback:

• 66% of participants said the motion-sensor software was easy to use.

• 61% found the message content relevant to them.

• Positive feedback emphasized that the app increased awareness of smoking habits, reduced smoking, and motivated users.

• Negative feedback indicated that some messages arrived late, lacked variety, or were too generic.

Expert Opinion: What Role Could Smartwatches Play in Quitting Smoking?

Dr. Chris Stone of the University of Bristol believes this app could improve quitting success by offering support at moments of smoking lapse. "Users liked the idea of receiving a message at the very moment they were smoking. Therefore, if we can detect a lapse and offer a just-in-time intervention, we have a chance to improve the success rate of a quit attempt," he says.

"This study shows that smartwatches could be a tool to help people quit smoking, but we need more research to understand how effective these devices are. People can also improve their chances of quitting by seeking support from the smoking cessation services available in their countries.

Next Steps

The researchers plan to test the app's long-term effectiveness and diversify its message content. More personalized messages and software that responds immediately could improve the app's effectiveness.

Conclusion

This innovative technology could be a promising step in treating tobacco dependence. Smartwatches may increase people's awareness during the quitting process and provide the support they need at critical moments. However, the effectiveness of such apps should be tested in larger samples, and the apps should be developed to meet individual needs. A healthier life with smartwatches is becoming more than a dream.