The impact of wearable technologies in health research: scoping review

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The initial search yielded 7499 hits.

“Our initial search yielded 7499 hits (PubMed: 2514; Ovid: 1905; Web of Science: 1440; CINAHL: 1640) and we identified 121 publications by manual search.”

May combine two claims.

Fitbit was the company with the most wearable devices (97/189, 51.3%), covering 8,361,035 (74.35%) out of 11,224,872 participants.

“The company with the most wearable devices in the included studies was Fitbit (97/189, 51.3%), covering 8,361,035 (74.35%) out of 11,224,872 participants.”

May combine two claims.

Without the largest study, Europe and Asia would lead in participant numbers and there would be a continuous increase in participant numbers from 2013 to 2020.

“Without the aforementioned, largest study, Europe and Asia would lead in participant numbers and we would see a continuous increase in participant numbers from 2013 to 2020.”

May combine two claims.

Between 2013 and 2020, there was an increase in the number of studies and study participants.

“Between 2013 and 2020, we observed an increase in the number of studies and study participants (Figure 2 and Table 1).”

May combine two claims.

The largest study was conducted in 2019 in North America and included over 8 million participants (75.71%).

“The largest study we identified was conducted in 2019 in North America and included over 8 million participants (75.71%) [153]; the second largest was a European study comprising 742,000 participants (6.85%) [162].”

• cites [153] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Manual search identified 121 publications.

“Our initial search yielded 7499 hits (PubMed: 2514; Ovid: 1905; Web of Science: 1440; CINAHL: 1640) and we identified 121 publications by manual search.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Of 7620 total publications, 4525 nonduplicates were screened for title and abstract.

“Of 7620 total publications, we screened 4525 (59.38%) nonduplicates for title and abstract, leading to the assessment of 660 full-texts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

660 full-texts were assessed.

“Of 7620 total publications, we screened 4525 (59.38%) nonduplicates for title and abstract, leading to the assessment of 660 full-texts.”

May combine two claims.

Regression analysis (62/179, 34.6%) and t tests (42/179, 22.9%) were the most commonly used statistical methods to analyze wearable data.

“Regression analysis (62/179, 34.6%) and t tests (42/179, 22.9%) were the most commonly used statistical methods to analyze wearable data.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Other methods comprised nonparametric tests, such as correlations, Wilcoxon U test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and chi-square tests.

“Other methods comprised nonparametric tests, such as correlations, Wilcoxon U test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and chi-square tests.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

A total of 15 (63%) out of 24 studies that used secondary data were conducted in 2020, and 5 (21%) in 2019.

“A total of 15 (63%) out of 24 studies that used secondary data were conducted in 2020, and 5 (21%) studies in 2019.”

May combine two claims.

Most wearables were worn on the wrist (138/189, 73%), followed by the hip (25/189, 13.2%) and chest (21/189, 11.1%).

“Most wearables were worn on the wrist (138/189, 73%), followed by the hip (25/189, 13.2%) and chest (21/189, 11.1%).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The included studies were categorized into 6 categories based on study objective, role of the wearable, and collected wearable data.

“We categorized the included studies based on their study objective, the role of the wearable and the collected wearable data within the study in the following 6 categories (overlaps are possible as separation is artificial).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Further data analyses were conducted in a data-driven manner with artificial intelligence, such as k-means or unsupervised cluster analysis, recursive feature elimination, rotation random forest classifier, and supervised machine learning algorithms.

“Further data analyses were conducted in a data-driven manner [223] with artificial intelligence, such as k-means [176] or unsupervised cluster analysis [172], recursive feature elimination technique [170], rotation random forest classifier [130], and supervised machine learning algorithms using logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest [215].”

• cites [223] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [176] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [172] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Huawei and Withings comprised 832,036 (7.4%) and 794,174 (7.06%) participants out of 11,224,872 participants, respectively.

“In number of study participants, Huawei and Withings comprised 832,036 (7.4%) participants and 794,174 (7.06%) participants out of 11,224,872 participants, respectively (Table 2).”

May combine two claims.

Other devices measured blood pressure (3/179, 1.7%), skin temperature (3/179, 1.7%), oximetry (3/179, 1.7%), or respiratory rate (2/179, 1.1%).

“Other devices measured blood pressure (3/179, 1.7%), skin temperature (3/179, 1.7%), oximetry (3/179, 1.7%), or respiratory rate (2/179, 1.1%).”

May combine two claims.

Fitness trackers (86/189, 45.5%) and accelerometers (49/189, 25.9%) were the most frequent wearable device types.

“Fitness trackers (86/189, 45.5%) and accelerometers (measuring body movement acceleration [37]) worn on the wrist, torso, and hip (49/189, 25.9%) were the most frequent.”

May combine two claims.

27/179 (15.1%) studies noted the prevalence of wearables in the population, decreasing stigma and easing participant recruitment.

“Furthermore, the handling (37/179, 20.7%) of hardware and software was often found to be user-friendly, as well as the prevalence of wearables in the population (27/179, 15.1%), decreasing stigma and easing participant recruitment.”

May combine two claims.

26/179 (14.5%) studies reported that participants accepted and liked the wearables, resulting in high participant compliance.

“Some studies (26/179, 14.5%) reported that participants accepted and liked the wearables, resulting in high participant compliance (wearing and using the wearable).”

May combine two claims.

Most studies investigated steps (95/179, 53.1%), HR (55/179, 30.7%), and sleep time (51/179, 28.5%).

“Most studies investigated steps (95/179, 53.1%), HR (55/179, 30.7%), and sleep time (51/179, 28.5%).”

May combine two claims.

12/179 (6.7%) studies focused on the feasibility of using wearables for screening diseases and improving existing methods and practices, mostly with a qualitative component.

“In these studies (12/179, 6.7%), the feasibility of using wearables for screening diseases and to improve on existing methods and practices is focused, mostly accompanied by a qualitative component.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Most studies were conducted in 2020 (56/179, 31.3%).

“Most studies were observational (128/179, 71.5%), conducted in 2020 (56/179, 31.3%) and in North America (94/179, 52.5%), and 93% (10,104,217/10,835,733) of the participants were part of global health studies.”

May combine two claims.

Other built-in sensors were electrodes for ECG measurements (21/179, 11.7%), gyroscopes (6/179, 3.4%), thermometers (4/179, 2.2%), and blood pressure sensors (3/179, 1.7%).

“Other built-in sensors were electrodes for ECG measurements (21/179, 11.7%); gyroscopes (6/179, 3.4%), which determine how different portions of the body rotate [37]; thermometers (4/179, 2.2%) measuring skin temperature; and blood pressure sensors (3/179, 1.7%).”

May combine two claims.

Only a few wearables were worn on the arm (3/189, 1.6%) and finger (2/189, 1.1%).

“Only a few wearables were worn on the arm (3/189, 1.6%) and finger (2/189, 1.1%; Figure 5).”

May combine two claims.

Other wearable device types included ECG chest straps and patches (21/189, 11.1%), smartwatches (12/189, 6.3%), and distinct vital sign trackers (10/189, 5.3%).

“Other wearable device types included ECG chest straps and patches (21/189, 11.1%), smartwatches (12/189, 6.3%), and distinct vital sign trackers (10/189, 5.3%) such as oximetry rings or blood pressure armbands (Table 2).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In some studies (15/189, 7.9%), wearable prices were not transparent.

“In some studies (15/189, 7.9%), wearable prices were not transparent, as data were provided through a variety of participant-owned wearables [87] or the wearable hardware was part of a subscription or a membership fee, that is, Whoop strap of Whoop [178].”

• cites [87] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [178] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Fitbit was followed by ActiGraph (19/189, 10.1%), Polar Electro (9/189, 4.8%), and Withings (8/189, 4.2%).

“Fitbit is followed by ActiGraph (research-grade wearable devices unavailable for consumers or not consumer grade per se; 19/189, 10.1%), Polar Electro (9/189, 4.8%), and Withings (8/189, 4.2%).”

May combine two claims.

Most study participants (9,090,776/10,835,733, 83.9%) were part of large-scale population-based studies in which data were mostly collected with multiple wearable devices that belonged to the study participants.

“However, most of the study participants (9,090,776/10,835,733, 83.9%) were part of large-scale population-based studies in which data were mostly collected with multiple wearable devices that belonged to the study participants.”

May combine two claims.

The review found a multitude of studies from multidisciplinary fields and global health, indicating a likely adoption and expansion of wearables in other medical fields.

“However, we found a multitude of studies from multidisciplinary fields as well as the field of global health, indicating a likely adoption and expansion of wearables in other medical fields.”

May combine two claims.

Most authors were satisfied with wearables, as strengths were mentioned more frequently than shortcomings.

“Nevertheless, most authors were satisfied with wearables, as strengths were mentioned more frequently than shortcomings.”

May combine two claims.

The review noted an increase in smaller studies that included rare populations and conditions, indicating wearables may be valuable for insights into patients with rare conditions.

“We have noted an increase in smaller studies that also included rare populations and conditions, such as fibromyalgia or the rare genetic Pompe disease, indicating that wearables may be valuable for insights into patients with rare conditions.”

May combine two claims.

The vast majority of studies were undertaken in North America, about twice as many as in Europe.

“The vast majority of studies were undertaken in North America, about twice as many as in Europe, which is consistent with the previous literature [225].”

• cites [225] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The included studies emphasized the growing wearable use, which is also reflected in commercially available devices.

“The included studies also emphasized the growing wearable use [147,195,197], which is also reflected in commercially available devices [38-40].”

• cites [147] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [195] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [197] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Similar to other reviews, most devices were wrist-worn fitness trackers and accelerometers, and most were from Fitbit, measuring PA, HR, and sleep.

“Similar to other reviews, most devices were wrist-worn fitness trackers and accelerometers, and most of them are from the company Fitbit, measuring PA, HR, and sleep [3,27,31,224,225].”

• cites [3] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [31] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [224] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Included studies are predominantly from high-income countries, constituting a gap in wearable studies in low-resource contexts.

“Included studies are predominantly from high-income countries, constituting a gap in wearable studies in low-resource contexts.”

May combine two claims.

The included studies covered a great scope of health applications such as fertility tracking; monitoring of body characteristics or diseases; and associations of coffee intake, sleep, PA, or blood pressure and steps.

“In general, the included studies covered a great scope of health applications such as fertility tracking; monitoring of body characteristics such as weight or diseases such as Alzheimer disease, diabetes mellitus, and AF; as well as associations of coffee intake, sleep, and PA, or blood pressure and steps.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in studies using secondary data.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in studies using secondary data.”

May combine two claims.

Wearables, often piloted in the included studies, were used in diverse health fields including COVID-19 prediction, fertility awareness, geriatrics, AF detection, evaluation of methods, drug effects, psychological interventions, and patient-reported outcomes.

“Wearables, which were often piloted in the included studies, were used in diverse health fields including COVID-19 prediction, fertility awareness, geriatrics, AF detection, evaluation of methods, drug effects, psychological interventions, and patient-reported outcomes.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Studies aimed at generating insights regarding the developing pandemic, focusing on forecasting models and their effects on different populations.

“Studies aimed at generating insights with regard to the developing pandemic, focusing on forecasting models and their effects on different populations.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

For many researchers, novelty and innovation seem to outweigh shortcomings such as measurement inaccuracies.

“For many researchers, novelty and innovation seem to outweigh shortcomings such as measurement inaccuracies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The authors seemed to tolerate smaller inaccuracies and validation drawbacks if usability was of high importance, such as in large-scale studies.

“The authors seemed to tolerate smaller inaccuracies and validation drawbacks—especially of established consumer-grade wearables—if usability was of high importance, such as in large-scale studies.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The included studies shared key characteristics that wearables should meet: validity, technical reliability (including data access solutions), innovation, and unobtrusiveness.

“Overall, the included studies shared key characteristics that the wearables should meet: validity, technical reliability (including data access solutions), innovation, and unobtrusiveness.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Wearables are becoming more diverse in their measurements and appearance.

“Nevertheless, wearables are becoming more diverse in their measurements and appearance.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The authors reported that the wearable device is sufficiently accurate even with existing inaccuracies.

“Nevertheless, the authors reported that the wearable device is sufficiently accurate even with existing inaccuracies [14,143,197].”

• cites [14] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [143] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Wearables can measure long-term data in the naturalistic environment of study participants, allowing for ecological momentary assessments.

“Wearables can measure long-term data in the naturalistic environment of study participants, allowing for ecologic momentary assessments [10,11].”

• cites [10] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [11] sourceNot checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The definition of vital signs is not distinct.

“As the definition of vital signs is not distinct [35], we included the following vital signs [9,36,37]: HR, HR variability, ECG measurements or heart rhythm analysis (detection of arrhythmias), blood pressure, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, body temperature, sleep, electrodermal activity, electromyogram measurements, and PA (Textbox 1).”

• cites [35] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The quality of included studies was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument score as adequate.

“To assess the quality of the included studies and their various study designs (credibility), we considered the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument [43] score as adequate (Multimedia Appendix 3 [14,15,20,44-219]).”

• cites [43] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Any disagreements in screening were resolved by discussion between the 2 reviewers and a third researcher.

“Any disagreements were resolved by discussion between the 2 reviewers (SH and MA) and a third researcher (SB).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Literature was screened by 2 independent reviewers.

“Literature was screened by 2 independent reviewers.”

May combine two claims.

Reviews on the application and potential of wearables have focused on specific wearable devices or measurements, or on applications in specific medical fields and interventions.

“Similarly, reviews on the application and potential of wearables have focused on (1) specific wearable devices or specific wearable measurements, for example, only smartwatches [4] or only sleep measurements [28] or (2) applications of specific medical fields and interventions, for example, only for diagnosis and treatment in cardiological conditions [29] or wearables as an intervention to promote”

• cites [4] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [29] sourceNot checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Data synthesis was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley, comprising the analytic framework, analysis of the extent and nature of studies, and thematic analysis.

“We conducted data synthesis in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley [33], comprising the analytic framework, analysis of the extent and nature of studies, and thematic analysis.”

• cites [33] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Many studies have focused on novel technologies, presenting prototypes, or investigating feasibility and acceptance of a wearable device in a specific setting.

“Many studies have focused on novel technologies, presenting prototypes, or investigating the feasibility and acceptance of a wearable device in a specific setting [3,27].”

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• cites [27] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR and the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and Peters et al.

“We present our findings in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting standard and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews; Multimedia Appendix 1) [32] and the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley [33] and Peters et al [34].”

• cites [32] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [33] sourceNot checked yet

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• cites [34] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shift toward more large-sized, web-based studies where wearables increased insights into the developing pandemic, including forecasting models and the effects of the pandemic.

“Fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, we see a shift toward more large-sized, web-based studies where wearables increased insights into the developing pandemic, including forecasting models and the effects of the pandemic.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

Some studies have indicated that big data extracted from wearables may potentially transform the understanding of population health dynamics and the ability to forecast health trends.

“Some studies have indicated that big data extracted from wearables may potentially transform the understanding of population health dynamics and the ability to forecast health trends.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Another factor for the American-European gap may be cultural mentality resulting in faster adoption of new technology in the United States, as North Americans own proportionally more fitness trackers than Europeans.

“Another factor may be cultural mentality resulting in faster adoption of new technology in the United States, as the North Americans own proportionally more fitness trackers in comparison to the Europeans [227,228].”

• cites [227] Who are the world's biggest wearable tech buyers?Ipsos20182021-05-20https://www.ipsos.com/en-ro/who-are-worlds-biggest-wearable-tech-buyersNot checked yet

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• cites [228] VailsheryLSNumber of connected wearable devices worldwide by region from 2015 to 2022Statista20212021-05-20https://www.statista.com/statistics/490231/wearable-devices-worldwide-by-region/Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Wearables may provide new possibilities for a broad spectrum of health research, such as infectious disease prediction like COVID-19 or fertility awareness.

“This underlines the potential for wearables in health research beyond a mere trend or hype, as wearables may provide new possibilities for a broad spectrum of health research, such as for infectious disease prediction like COVID-19 or fertility awareness, among many others.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

A possible solution for data security and usability might be data trusts as an alternative to large platforms.

“A possible solution for data security and usability might be data trusts [230] as an alternative to large platforms.”

• cites [230] BlankertzASpechtLOn regulation for data trusts: policy briefStiftung Neue Verantwortung20212021-07-06https://www.stiftung-nv.de/en/publication/regulation-data-trustsNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Wearables can generate a solid database for global health research, particularly for morbidity measurements, large-scale studies, and modeling and descriptive studies.

“Wearables can generate a solid database for global health research, particularly for morbidity measurements [235], large-scale studies, and modeling and descriptive studies.”

• cites [235] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

Topics such as climate change-induced impacts focusing on extreme weather events as an outcome and impact on health may be approached.

“Topics such as climate change–induced impacts focusing on extreme weather events as an outcome and impact on health [236] may be approached.”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The reasons for the American-European gap may be multifaceted.

“The reasons for the American-European gap may be multifaceted.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Data security and privacy are severely governed by the European Union General Data Protection Regulation.

“Data security and privacy are severely governed by the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, which is according to their website the “toughest privacy and security law in the world” [229].”

• cites [229] What is GDPR, the EU’s new data protection law?General Data Protection Regulation20182021-06-08European Unionhttps://gdpr.eu/what-is-gdpr/Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The AliveCor device was shown to be feasible in Kenya to help detect AF and for early diagnosis.

“The AliveCor device was shown to be feasible in Kenya to help detect AF [232], as well as for early diagnosis.”

• cites [232] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Open access to wearables' raw data or source codes is another aspect, as companies might change the source code and implement algorithms without obligation to announce or detail changes that might lead to bias and inconsistency of data.

“Another aspect is open access to the wearables’ raw data or source codes, as companies might change the source code and implement algorithms without the obligation to announce or detail changes that might lead to bias and inconsistency of data [224].”

• cites [224] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Using affordable, consumer-grade wearables for rare disease assessment and monitoring might eventually be less expensive than specifically developed devices and easier to use for patients.

“Using affordable, consumer-grade wearables for rare disease assessment and monitoring might eventually be less expensive than specifically developed devices and easier to use for patients.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Xu et al emphasized that physiological monitoring with wearables holds promise for substantial improvements in neonatal outcomes in low- and middle-resource countries.

“Xu et al [234] emphasized that physiological monitoring with wearables hold “promise for substantial improvements in neonatal outcomes” in low- and middle-resource countries.”

• cites [234] sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Administrative limitations and challenges presumably obscure the benefits of wearable research in Europe.

“Administrative limitations and challenges presumably obscure the benefits of wearable research in Europe.”

May combine two claims.

Wearable costs are only approximations and could be imprecise due to different sales and distribution models, exclusion of software/maintenance/subscription costs, and price fluctuation.

“In addition, wearable costs are only approximations and could be imprecise: (1) companies follow different sales and distribution models, for example membership, rental, and subscription; (2) we only incorporated wearable (hardware) prices, excluding costs for software, maintenance, and other charges such as subscription fees, which may even exceed wearable hardware costs; and (3) sales prices are”

May combine two claims.

The review included only wearables of companies with the highest market share, so wearables of smaller or new companies may be missing.

“We included only the wearables of companies in the search that had the highest market share. Therefore, the wearables of smaller or new companies may be missing in this review.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Measurement of steps, PA, HR, and sleep may be considered standard wearable measurements.

“Measurement of steps, PA, HR, and sleep may be considered standard wearable measurements.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The list of included studies is by no means exhaustive.

“Although this review provides a wide scope of wearable research, the list of included studies is by no means exhaustive.”

May combine two claims.

The review only included studies published in English, which may have excluded evidence from other regions that may not publish in English.

“In addition, we only included studies published in English, which may have excluded evidence from other regions that may not publish in English.”

May combine two claims.

The included studies did not show the full range of possible wearables and measured vital signs.

“We have provided a wide overview of wearable devices; however, the included studies did not show the full range of possible wearables and measured vital signs [9,37].”

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• cites [37] sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The review sees a growing uptake of wearables in health research and a trend to use wearables for large-scale, population-based studies.

“We see a growing uptake of wearables in health research and a trend to use wearables for large-scale, population-based studies.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

Wearable-induced research may include currently underrepresented populations such as older adults, disabled participants, participants with rare chronic or genetic diseases, and participants from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

“Therefore, wearable-induced research may include currently underrepresented populations such as the older adults, participants who are disabled, participants with rare chronic or genetic diseases, participants from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and others.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, large-sized wearable studies were used to generate insights into the developing pandemic and may potentially lead to novel insights into population health trends and forecasts.

“During the COVID-19-pandemic in particular, large-sized wearable studies were used to generate insights into the developing pandemic and may potentially lead to novel insights into population health trends and forecasts.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The fluctuant and unstable market might be a factor in decisions regarding the use of wearables.

“The fluctuant and unstable market, therefore, might also be a factor in decisions regarding the use of wearables [28].”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The review reports the opinions of the included studies regarding shortcomings and strengths of wearables; these insights might be helpful but are not objective measures.

“In addition, we report the opinions of the included studies with regard to the shortcomings and strengths of wearables. Although these insights might be helpful, they are not objective measures.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

The introduced categories for studies and aims to use wearables might overlap, as separation and categorization are artificial.

“Moreover, our introduced categories for studies and aims to use wearables might overlap, as separation and categorization are artificial.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Although data analytic skills are needed for handling big data sets, their analysis might be extremely valuable for health research in generating new evidence.

“Although data analytic skills are needed for handling big data sets, their analysis might be extremely valuable for health research in generating new evidence [31,225].”

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Some wearables and similar devices were beyond the scope of this study but might also be valuable for health research.

“Although interesting and promising, some wearables and similar devices were beyond the scope of this study but might also be valuable for health research.”