Can an Apple Watch improve asthma management?

A new clinical trial has found that a digital asthma self-management (DASM) program significantly improves symptom control in adults, with benefits sustained over 12 months. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, add to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of digital tools in managing chronic diseases like asthma.

The virtual, randomized, controlled, and decentralized study was led by researchers from Elevance Health and the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Apple Inc. The trial enrolled 901 adults with asthma from 41 states across the U.S., including participants with both commercial and Medicaid insurance.

Participants in the DASM group used a tailored iPhone app integrated with the Apple Watch to monitor symptoms, receive personalized alerts, and track asthma-related metrics. Compared with the control group, participants using the digital program showed significantly greater improvements in asthma control.

Among those with uncontrolled asthma at the start of the study, DASM users improved their Asthma Control Test scores by an average of 4.6 points over 12 months, versus 1.8 points in the control group—a clinically meaningful difference that can translate into fewer asthma-related interruptions in daily life. Even participants who had controlled asthma at baseline saw modest but consistent benefits from the program.

“These results support continued development of digital asthma self-management programs,” said Jordan Silberman, MD, PhD, co-lead author and Director of Clinical Analytics at Elevance Health. “Findings also underscore the need for culturally adaptive strategies to ensure equitable engagement and impact across all communities affected by asthma.”

The study found consistent benefits across insurance types and ethnicities, though the effect was reduced among African American participants. Engagement levels—measured through app usage and symptom logs—correlated strongly with improved outcomes.

Secondary benefits included improved medication adherence, increased self-management confidence, and reduced asthma-related disruptions to work.

“We are proud to support research that not only improves chronic disease management but prioritizes underserved populations often left behind in digital innovation,” said Richard A. Lee, MD, co-author and Associate Clinical Professor of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at UC Irvine.

Digital health tools: Gaining ground in chronic disease management

The results of this study are the latest in a wave of research demonstrating the value of digital health tools in managing chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Digital self-management programs—often delivered via smartphones, wearable devices, and AI-powered platforms—are increasingly seen as cost-effective ways to personalize care, increase patient engagement, and close gaps in access.

In asthma care specifically, digital tools now offer real-time monitoring of symptoms, air quality alerts, medication reminders, and tailored coaching—all without requiring in-person visits. Studies have shown that these features can lead to fewer emergency room visits, better medication adherence, and improved quality of life.

Importantly, decentralized trials like this one highlight the scalability of such tools. By enrolling patients virtually and gathering data from common consumer devices like the Apple Watch and iPhone, researchers can reach broader and more diverse populations than traditional clinic-based studies. This approach is particularly vital for managing asthma, which disproportionately affects low-income and minority populations.

However, challenges remain. As the UC Irvine study notes, disparities in outcomes—particularly among African American participants—signal a need for greater cultural customization and digital literacy support. Future iterations of digital self-management programs may need to tailor content and engagement strategies to different user communities.

Still, the potential is clear: digital platforms are no longer just add-ons to traditional care but are becoming central to how chronic diseases are treated and monitored. As technologies become more sophisticated and inclusive, they may redefine what personalized care looks like for millions of patients.