172 Tasmanians have received free Garmin smartwatches to track daily movement over 12 weeks in the WATCH study, which tests whether wearables can increase walking.
More than 300 people registered interest within 48 hours, giving researchers a pool to examine why people who know they should move more often fail to do so.
University of Tasmania is running the project with St Lukes and Hobart-based HealthCare Software, using the Snug app to collect fitness data while keeping participant information anonymised.
Tasmania’s higher-than-national-average rates of heart disease and obesity are driving the study, which partners say could shape future digital prevention programs for members and the wider community.