mHealth Applications to Monitor Lifestyle Behaviors and Circadian Rhythm in Clinical Settings: Current Perspective and Future Directions

Abstract

Metabolic diseases are a global rising health burden, mainly due to the deleterious interaction of current lifestyles with the underlying biology of these diseases. Daily habits and behaviors, such as diet, sleep, and physical exercise impact the whole-body circadian system through the synchronization of the peripheral body clocks that contribute to metabolic homeostasis. The disruption of this system may promote the development of metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes, emphasizing the importance of assessing and monitoring variables that affect circadian rhythms. Advances in technology are generating innovative resources and tools for health care management and patient monitoring, particularly important for chronic conditions. The use of mobile health technologies, known as mHealth, is increasing and these approaches are contributing to aiding both patients and healthcare professionals in disease management and education. The mHealth solutions allow continuous monitoring of patients, sharing relevant information and data with physicians and other healthcare professionals and accessing education resources to support informed decisions. Thus, if properly used, these tools empower patients and help them to adopt healthier lifestyles. This article aims to give an overview of the influence of circadian rhythms disruption and lifestyle habits in the progression of metabolic diseases while also reviewing some of the mobile applications available to monitor lifestyle behaviors and individual chronobiology. Herein is also described the design and development of the NutriClock system, an mHealth solution developed by our team to monitor these variables.

Linking dietary intake, circadian biomarkers, and clock genes on obesity: A study protocol

“…Participants will register in the NutriClock mobile application, specifically designed for this observational study by a multidisciplinary team, including computer engineers, nutritionists, physiologists, and psychologists ( 53 ). The NutriClock mobile application and backoffice were designed and developed to comply with ethical standards and the General Data Protection Regulation.…”

“…Dietary intake will be assessed using two methodologies: a 3-day food diary included in the NutriClock app ( 53 ) and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). To ensure equal access and opportunity to participate in the research study, regardless of the socioeconomic level, availability of a smartphone, and/or ability to use it, participants can opt to complete the 3-day food diary in the traditional pen-and-paper format.…”

mHealth Apps for Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, and Other Neurocognitive Disorders: Systematic Search and Environmental Scan

“…Although these apps address a number of the lifestyle behaviors (mentioned in the previous paragraphs) that have been linked to the likelihood of developing dementia, few apps have been designed to target these functions specifically for persons with or at risk of developing dementia. Given the movement toward designing mHealth apps to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors (eg, improved diet, exercise habits, and memory-training games), these apps could be leveraged to promote such behaviors earlier in life, with the hopes that this can prevent or delay the onset of dementia or manage symptoms once they present [ 21 , 22 ]. Understanding the breadth of what is available in terms of which lifestyle behavior or combination of behaviors that currently available mHealth apps leverage presents an opportunity to create mHealth apps to address existing gaps and needs for targeted populations.…”

Performance Analysis of Family Welfare Empowerment Application: A Kanban Method Approach

“…Through a comprehensive examination of testing outcomes and methodologies, the study aims to identify factors influencing the success or failure of testing procedures within the domain of family welfare applications. By evaluating testing methodologies' efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability, the research seeks to extract insights that can guide the enhancement of testing processes, contributing to the overall quality and functionality of family welfare empowerment applications [13]. This study's analysis of testing performance can significantly contribute to advancing family empowerment application development.…”