Smartwatches as a tool for assessing physical performance in older adults: a review of digital biomarkers

Abstract

Introduction: Wearable devices have been used as tools for assessing the older people. However, there is still no consensus on which biomarkers should be used to evaluate physical performance through wearable devices. Objective: To map the available evidence on the use of smartwatches as indicators of the physical performance of community-dwelling older individuals. Method: This scoping review was conducted following the methodology of the Joanna Briggs Institute and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. The guiding question was formulated using the PCC framework: Can smartwatches be indicators of physical performance in older people? Six databases were consulted for the search of articles. Two independent reviewers performed the article selection using the "blind on" feature of  Rayyan software. Discrepancies were solved through consensus. Data was extracted and systematically organized into a spreadsheet. Results: The main biomarkers identified were heart rate, daily step count, and composite indices (NET-F, HROS). Conclusion: Smartwatches provided significant data for the assessment of the physical performance of older people.