Wearable Technology for Mental Wellness Monitoring and Feedback

Abstract

This thesis investigates the transformative potential of wearable monitoring devices in empowering individuals to make positive lifestyle changes and enhance mental well-being. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of these devices in addressing mental health issues, with a specific focus on stress and anxiety biomarkers. The research includes a systematic literature review that uniquely emphasizes integrating wearable technology into mental wellness, spanning diverse domains such as electronics, wearable technology, machine learning, and data analysis. This novel systematic literature review encompasses the period from 2010 to 2023, examining the profound impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) across various sectors, particularly healthcare. The thesis extensively explores wearable technologies capable of identifying a broad spectrum of human biomarkers and stress-related indicators, emphasizing their potential benefits for healthcare professionals. Challenges faced by participants and researchers in the practical implementation of wearable technology are addressed through survey analysis, providing substantial evidence for the potential of wearables in bolstering mental health within professional environments. Meticulous data analysis gathering from biosignals captured by wearables investigates the impact of stress factors and anxiety on individuals' mental well-being. The study concludes with a thorough discussion of the findings and their implications. Additionally, integrating Photoplethysmography (PPG) devices is highlighted as a significant advancement in capturing vital biomarkers associated with stress and mental well-being. Through light-based technology, PPG devices monitor blood volume changes in microvascular tissue, providing real-time information on heart rate variability (HRV). This non-invasive approach enables continuous monitoring, offering a dynamic understanding of physiological responses to stressors. The reliability of wearable devices equipped with PPG and Electroencephalography (EEG) sensors is emphasized in capturing differences in subject biomarkers. EEG devices measure brainwave patterns, providing insights into neural activity associated with stress and emotional states. The combination of PPG and EEG data enhances the precision of stress and mental well-being assessments, offering a holistic approach that captures peripheral physiological responses and central nervous system activity. In conclusion, integrating PPG devices with subjective methods and EEG sensors significantly advances stress and mental well-being assessment. This multidimensional approach improves measurement accuracy, laying the foundation for personalized interventions and innovative solutions in mental health care. The thesis also evaluates body sensors and their correlation with medically established gold references, exploring the potential of wearable devices in advancing mental health and well-being

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