Tim Cook CEO of Apple | Apple
Apple has announced the launch of the Apple Health Study, a new initiative aimed at understanding how technology can improve physical and mental health. The study, available through the Research app, will explore the relationship between various health aspects, such as the impact of mental health on heart rate and how sleep affects exercise. This research is conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
Calum MacRae, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, expressed enthusiasm about participating in the study. "We’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of how technology can improve our understanding of human health," he said. "We are excited to be part of the Apple Health Study, as it will continue to explore connections across different areas of health using technology that so many people carry with them every day."
The study aims to overcome traditional limitations in medical research related to participant recruitment and data collection by utilizing Apple devices. It builds on previous studies like the Apple Women’s Health Study and others, which have involved over 350,000 participants across the U.S.
This longitudinal virtual study seeks to understand how data from both Apple and third-party devices can predict, detect, monitor, and manage changes in participants’ health. Researchers will examine various health domains including cardiovascular health, cognition, hearing, menstrual health, metabolic health, mobility, respiratory health, sleep, among others.
Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple's vice president of Health highlighted the importance of research in developing innovative features for users. “Research and validation are part of the foundation of all of our work in health,” she stated. “The valuable insights we’ve gained since launching the Research app have allowed us to bring innovative new tools to our users... We’re thrilled to bring forward the Apple Health Study.”
The study is designed to identify early signals emitted by changes in a person’s health which could help provide a proactive approach to healthcare. For instance, detecting changes in hearing early could potentially reduce cognitive decline risks.
Enrollment for the Apple Health Study is open through the Research app for U.S.-based participants who meet age requirements and complete informed consent. Participation is voluntary; individuals choose what data they share with researchers and can withdraw at any time without sharing identifying information with Apple.
