“The More You Give The Wearable, The More It Gives You”: Regular Exercisers Experiences With Wearable Scores

PURPOSE: The use of consumer off-the-shelf wearables (COTSW) for exercise and self-monitoring has grown significantly. These devices offer health insights, including individual ‘recovery’ or ‘readiness’ scores derived from heart rate variability (HRV), designed to optimize training. Limited research exists on the psycho-behavioral aspects of HRV-derived scores, which can affect user adoption. Thus, this study aimed to explore individuals' experiences with wearable devices and readiness/recovery scores. METHODS: Seventeen regular exercisers (65% F, 33 ± 5y, Race = 82% White, 2 ± 1 years with wearable) self-reported owning and utilizing a Whoop™ band or Oura™ ring for at least 3 months and underwent a one-on-one virtual semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. ‘In-vivo’ quotes from our sample were used to both craft titles for and provide evidence underlying each emerging theme. RESULTS: While our analysis identified six overarching themes, we focus on three, providing each with sufficient attention and space required for a thorough exploration and comprehensive demonstration. Theme 1, ‘It’s kinda validating, right?’ (Detroit) highlights how users found validation and reinforcement in their lifestyle choices and feelings about their well-being. Theme 2, ‘It’s really putting the power in my hands,’ (Misty) indicates users’ curiosity and experimentation with their devices, leading to behavioral adjustments aimed at improving their readiness/recovery scores. Theme 3, potential for ‘more of an emotional response rather than a rational one,’ (Brian) demonstrates the complex reactive responses users may have towards these scores and each wearable’s interface. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide preliminary insight into how COTSW readiness or recovery estimates influence users’ behavior and self-perception through positive reinforcement and autonomy to modify decisions. However, integration of COTSWs into intervention or training contexts requires additional optimization-focused research, particularly aiming to minimize potential maladaptive effects elicited by their use.