HabitAware’s National Institutes of Health-supported research is dedicated to advancing the understanding and intervention methods for trichotillomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) that involves compulsive hair-pulling. Our mission is to develop wearable technology that detects these behaviors in real time, enabling individuals to manage and reduce their BFRBs. Both NIH Phase I and Phase II awards have been instrumental in furthering this goal, supporting us as we refine our technology and validate its effectiveness through clinical research.
Trichotillomania is a challenging condition that affects millions worldwide, but it is often misunderstood and under-researched. HabitAware is committed to leveraging cutting-edge motion recognition technology to detect the subtle wrist movements associated with hair-pulling behaviors. Our research focuses on translating these motion patterns into real-time alerts, helping users become more aware of their behavior and take proactive steps to manage it.
Through both NIH Phase I and Phase II, we aimed to first establish the feasibility of our solution and then scale it for broader application, incorporating more advanced technology, larger clinical trials, and extensive field testing. These efforts represent a comprehensive approach to tackling trichotillomania by merging clinical insights with innovative wearable technology.
NIH Phase I: The NIH Phase I award laid the foundation for HabitAware’s research into trichotillomania by establishing the feasibility of detecting specific wrist movements associated with hair-pulling. This early-stage research was designed to explore the potential of wearable devices to accurately identify trichotillomania episodes in real time.
During Phase I, our research focused on understanding the distinctive motion patterns involved in hair-pulling. We developed a prototype system using motion sensors to detect wrist movements, which were then processed through an algorithm designed to identify behaviors specific to trichotillomania. This phase involved small-scale trials and the collection of initial data, which helped us optimize the motion recognition model. Additionally, we conducted feasibility studies to confirm that the technology could accurately differentiate between hair-pulling and other non-BFRB motions.
The key objective of Phase I was to establish that wearable technology could indeed recognize these behaviors and provide timely alerts, making it a viable intervention tool for individuals struggling with trichotillomania.
NIH Phase II: Building on the success of Phase I, the NIH Phase II award allowed HabitAware to refine and expand the capabilities of our wearable technology. The goal of this phase was to optimize the system, conduct large-scale clinical trials, and prepare the device for real-world application.
Phase II focused on enhancing the motion detection algorithms developed during Phase I, making them more robust and adaptable to a wider range of trichotillomania behaviors. We introduced customizable settings, allowing users to tailor the detection system to their specific needs. This phase also involved more rigorous testing, with larger and longer-term clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy of the device in various settings and among diverse user groups.
Through extensive field testing and collaboration with research institutions, we validated the system's reliability and improved its overall accuracy. This phase also explored the long-term impact of the technology on individuals' ability to manage and reduce their hair-pulling episodes, ensuring that the device was ready for commercial deployment.
The combined efforts of NIH Phase I and Phase II have culminated in a highly effective, market-ready wearable device that helps individuals manage trichotillomania through real-time behavior detection. The technology developed during these phases has shown significant promise in reducing hair-pulling behaviors by increasing user awareness and offering immediate interventions.
Through these awards, HabitAware has not only refined its motion detection technology but also expanded its potential applications to other body-focused repetitive behaviors. The research has demonstrated that wearable technology can serve as a valuable tool in managing BFRBs, leading to improved quality of life for those affected. Furthermore, this research underscores HabitAware’s leadership in the field of mental health technology, blending clinical insights with cutting-edge innovation.
