Apple Watch can accurately predict stress levels, study finds

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada revealed that the Apple Watch can accurately predict the stress levels of watch wearers.

Using the sensor to perform the electrocardiogram (ECG) with the Apple Watch Series 6, researchers found that there was an association between ECG data, including the acceleration and deceleration ability of the heart, and self-reported stress levels at the time the readings were taken. Machine learning algorithms were then developed from this information to create a prediction model.

Stress models have a high level of precision, but a lower recall. The study concludes that the Apple Watch has promising potential for predicting stress, and proposes that since the device collects additional health information, such as sleep and activity information, even more points data could be integrated into stress models to increase their predictive accuracy.

According to the researchers, the Apple Watch could be used to facilitate mental health care, offering activities like breathing exercises to offset stress signals, reacting quickly to changes in mental health. Devices like those from Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin already offer a stress assessment feature, but Apple has yet to integrate such a feature into its Health app.