News Summary
Researchers at Texas A&M University are introducing the First Watch Device (FWD), a wearable technology aimed at aiding individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Set to debut at the 2025 Texas Challenge, the FWD connects with Apple smartwatches to monitor physiological signals, enhancing mental health management for veterans. A clinical study involving 36 participants will evaluate its effectiveness over four months, aimed at improving the quality of life for veterans affected by PTSD.
College Station, Texas – Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a wearable device designed to assist individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The innovation, known as the First Watch Device (FWD), is set to be introduced at the upcoming Project Hero’s 2025 Texas Challenge, a therapy bicycle ride scheduled from May 4 to May 10, 2025.
The FWD is a cutting-edge worn technology that integrates with Apple smartwatches, with the specific aim of identifying and responding to physical cues related to PTSD. By monitoring various physiological signals, the device aims to help users manage their symptoms and reduce the occurrence of distressing episodes. Developed under the leadership of Dr. Farzan Sasangohar, an associate professor of industrial and systems engineering, the device is being created in the Applied Cognitive Ergonomics Lab (ACE-Lab).
The wearable device will keep track of heart rate and other stress indicators that are not necessarily tied to physical activity, allowing it to capture valuable therapeutic data. Users and their healthcare providers will have access to this data for further analysis, which can help fine-tune treatment approaches and provide real-time support, enhancing mental health care.
A clinical study is set to involve 36 individuals within the Project Hero community to evaluate the effectiveness of the FWD. Of those, 24 participants will take part in the 2025 Texas Challenge, with the group being split into a test group and a control group. Half of the participants will utilize the full functionalities of the FWD, while the remaining individuals will serve as a control group without the device’s interventions.
This innovative study will have participants use the devices for an extended period of four months, generating essential data on the FWD’s long-term impacts on managing PTSD. The primary aim of this project is to enhance the quality of life for veterans, providing them with ongoing mental health support throughout their military service and beyond.
Dr. Sasangohar has been dedicated to this technology since 2016, partnering with Project Hero to effectively evaluate the device in authentic settings that resonate with the experiences of veterans. Future endeavors include the adoption of FWD in additional Project Hero events, such as the Europe Challenge slated for July and the California Challenge, which will occur in October.
Project Hero, an organization focused on helping veterans through active engagement in therapeutic cycling, recognizes the potential of the FWD to significantly contribute to mental health initiatives and the prevention of veteran suicides. The innovative approach harnessed by the FWD could offer substantial support in addressing mental health challenges faced by those who have served in the military.
As the project moves forward, both researchers and the Project Hero organization are optimistic that the FWD will lead to improved outcomes for veterans, ultimately aiming to create a meaningful change in the ongoing struggle against mental health adversities associated with military service.
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Additional Resources
- KCEN TV: Texas A&M Debut New PTSD Management System
- Wikipedia: Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Fox San Antonio: New Wearable Tech for PTSD Care
- Google Search: Texas A&M PTSD wearable device
- KBTX: Therapy Dog Training for First Responder Recovery
- Google Scholar: therapy dog training PTSD
- The Eagle: Local Health Care News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: therapeutic cycling
- KBTX: Bryan Woman Hopes Husband’s Story Helps PTSD Afflicted
- Google News: PTSD veteran support
