JMIR Res Protoc. 2026 Apr 29;15:e73060. doi: 10.2196/73060.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Veterans face an increased risk of common mental disorders when compared to civilian groups. However, veteran disengagement from treatment is a concern among health care providers, resulting in a need to explore novel ways of managing veteran mental health. Wearable devices, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, have been explored for their potential to assess, monitor, and predict mental health outcomes in the general population. Such devices provide continuous data on metrics including physical activity, heart rate, sleep quality, and stress levels, offering a comprehensive view of the lifestyle and physiological factors influencing mental health.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the feasibility of using wearable technology as a data collection and potential health monitoring tool among UK veterans. It also aims to explore the associations between mental health, physical activity, and functioning factors among UK veterans.
METHODS: This is an observational feasibility study measuring mental health via validated questionnaires completed at baseline (T0), day 28 (T1), day 56 (T2), and day 84 (T3), and physiological metrics measured continuously via wrist-worn fitness trackers (Garmin vívosmart-5 watches) over 3 months (84 days). UK veterans will be recruited through convenience sampling methods. Statistical analysis will be exploratory, and machine learning models will be trained to detect changes in mental health and well-being outcomes.
RESULTS: Data collection was conducted between February 2025 and October 2025, and data analysis is scheduled to begin in January 2026.
CONCLUSIONS: This study will provide information on the feasibility of using wearable technology devices within a UK veteran population and may inform potential future interventions seeking to integrate wearable-derived data alongside the management of common mental disorders in veterans experiencing mental health difficulties. Findings would also enhance understanding of the relationship between mental health and physiological factors (eg, physical activity and sleep) in UK veterans.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/73060.
PMID:42054675 | DOI:10.2196/73060
