In the realm of clinical research, wearable sensors have become invaluable tools for monitoring physical behaviors, especially among older adults. A recent study published by VivoSense research scientists Shelby Bachman, PhD, and Krista Leonard-Corzo, PhD, in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, describes VivoSense’s efforts to return individualized wearable sensor data to older adult participants, shedding light on both the benefits and challenges of this practice.
Study Overview
Previous researchers have indicated that research participants are increasingly interested in receiving their results after participating in a study and monitoring their own health data. In this study, VivoSense sought to understand older adult research participants’ preferences for receiving individualized wearable sensor data and whether this process was feasible.
Key Findings
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- Logistics of returning results: We were able to return individualized wearable sensor data to participants as a 1-page report, shortly after study participation.
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- Participant feedback: Participants had positive feedback on the content and quality of the reports, reporting that they were visually pleasing and health-relevant.
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- Participant engagement: Participants provided valuable suggestions for improving the process of returning results, including recommendations to increase data interpretability and additional health metrics of interest. Understanding participant preferences is crucial to ensure that participants can accurately interpret their results without unnecessary alarm or confusion.
Implications for Future Research
Returning personalized wearable sensor data to research participants may allow for data ownership and health monitoring, but it also has the potential to improve adherence to study protocols and interventions. By feeling more connected to their own health metrics, participants may be more motivated to engage in positive health behaviors.
For a comprehensive understanding of this study and its implications, you can access the full article below.
Find the full published manuscript as a PDF here