April 23, 2025

Smartwatch data aggregation and transfer empowers health research studies. 

Citizen Science – the practice of scientists and researchers collaborating with the public on projects or initiatives – is rapidly increasing due to the evolution and proliferation of technology, including smartphones, smartwatches and other devices. Now, researchers can receive large amounts of health metrics from people around the world, and participants can choose to share high-quality data, thanks to the Garmin Health Connected Ecosystem. This Garmin Health Research Glimpse demonstrates how Citizen Science is making an impact in the scientific inquiry field of public health. 

Identifying Predictors of Happiness Through Health Data 

Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers – in collaboration with the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the University of Warwick, the University of Saskatchewan, Avicenna and Garmin 

The study: Participants opt in to provide Garmin smartwatch data and fill out surveys on their smartphones three times per day. Researchers cross-reference survey results with health metrics to identify correlations between health, happiness and wellbeing. The Health and Happiness Study, now in its global phase, is seeking 10,000 global participants. 

How Garmin factors in: As the exclusive smartwatch provider, Garmin plays a critical role by leveraging the high-quality sensor data of its product portfolio. Through Garmin Health API integration and Avicenna, any Garmin smartwatch can submit data to the research team over the course of the study. Key health metrics include stress, heart rate, sleep quality and daily activity. 

The goal: As the first largescale study of its kind in this field, it seeks to identify predictors of happiness and wellbeing using data from smartwatches and smartphones to inform global public policies and product development.  

Investigating Genetic Determinants of Physical Performance 

Ashley Lab, Stanford University 

The study: The ELITE Study analyzes the top endurance athletes in the world to better understand the genetics of peak performance. Stanford is recruiting 10,000 athletes with a maximal aerobic capacity in the top 1% of the population. 

How Garmin factors in: Researchers collect DNA via saliva, ask participants to complete a questionnaire and obtain VO2 max estimates from Garmin smartwatches. To qualify, applicants must have a lifetime highest VO2 max of 55+ for women and 65+ men. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise (measured in milliliters per kilogram per minute). It is a common predictor of fitness and can be estimated through several Garmin smartwatches. 

The goal: By striving to determine the genetic contribution to the performance of athletes who have achieved these high VO2 max levels, the ELITE Study aims to better understand the importance of biology and environment for reaching and optimizing peak performance and health. 

Studying Environmental Heat Stress and Its Impact on Exercise 

Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Digital Health and Prevention 

The study: By evaluating health and exercise metrics from Garmin smartwatches combined with environmental data around temperature and humidity and subjective measures around perceived exertion, the Heat Load Adaptation Study wants to investigate the impact of high heat and humidity conditions on the body during exercise. The project seeks participants ages 18–55 in Europe who regularly engage in outdoor walking or running. 

How Garmin factors in: Through the Garmin Health API, researchers will evaluate heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and activity data from Garmin. 

The goal: The goal is to create adaptive exercise recommendations for digital health applications, promoting safer and more effective physical activity in warmer climates. 

By collaborating with Garmin Health, research institutions can leverage the global community of data-savvy individuals involved in our Research Participation Program. This audience uses Garmin smartwatches and fitness trackers to monitor their health and has opted in to learn more about meaningful studies in which they can participate.  

With the Garmin Health Connected Ecosystem, high-quality physiological data, and a committed audience, research teams can boost their study’s reach and retention. All information on research and clinical trials can be found here.  

_{Garmin devices are not designed or intended to monitor or diagnose diseases or any medical conditions. Find information on metric accuracy here.}