Dr Cailbhe Doherty
@cailbhe.bsky.social
Assistant Professor in UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science. My research: Exploring the impact of wearable tech on public health. 🔍 Validating device accuracy, 🌐 Creating an open data platform, 🤝 Understanding user experiences.
Apple’s new Watch feature doesn’t measure blood pressure — it classifies vascular patterns from optical PPG signals.
In validation (~2,000 participants): sensitivity ≈41%, specificity ≈92%.
Accurate for normal cases, limited for detection.
Video: youtu.be/kTuu30HOINc
In validation (~2,000 participants): sensitivity ≈41%, specificity ≈92%.
Accurate for normal cases, limited for detection.
Video: youtu.be/kTuu30HOINc
Understanding Blood Pressure Notifications on Apple Watch
YouTube video by Dr Cailbhe Doherty
youtu.be
November 3, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Apple’s new Watch feature doesn’t measure blood pressure — it classifies vascular patterns from optical PPG signals.
In validation (~2,000 participants): sensitivity ≈41%, specificity ≈92%.
Accurate for normal cases, limited for detection.
Video: youtu.be/kTuu30HOINc
In validation (~2,000 participants): sensitivity ≈41%, specificity ≈92%.
Accurate for normal cases, limited for detection.
Video: youtu.be/kTuu30HOINc
The new science of marathon training in one image:
Run more, mostly easy.
Evidence from 100k+ runners shows the best get faster by going slower.
Full piece: The Easy Miles Paradox
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
Run more, mostly easy.
Evidence from 100k+ runners shows the best get faster by going slower.
Full piece: The Easy Miles Paradox
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
The Easy Miles Paradox: Why Slowing Down Makes You Faster
What big-data science is teaching us about the art of endurance.
open.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The new science of marathon training in one image:
Run more, mostly easy.
Evidence from 100k+ runners shows the best get faster by going slower.
Full piece: The Easy Miles Paradox
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
Run more, mostly easy.
Evidence from 100k+ runners shows the best get faster by going slower.
Full piece: The Easy Miles Paradox
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
WHOOP’s new “Healthspan” metrics turn daily habits into added or lost years of life. I reviewed their white paper — here’s where the science holds, and where it overreaches.
open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
Is WHOOP Really Able to Measure Your Healthspan?
WHOOP’s new Healthspan and Pace of Aging metrics promise to translate daily habits into years gained or lost. But how much science survives the leap from epidemiology to your wrist?
open.substack.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM
WHOOP’s new “Healthspan” metrics turn daily habits into added or lost years of life. I reviewed their white paper — here’s where the science holds, and where it overreaches.
open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
open.substack.com/pub/drcailbh...
Apple Watch estimates VO₂ max from submaximal exercise, but how accurate is it?
In our study of 40 adults, it underestimated VO₂ max by ~6 ml/kg/min—often a whole fitness category.
📄 DOI: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
In our study of 40 adults, it underestimated VO₂ max by ~6 ml/kg/min—often a whole fitness category.
📄 DOI: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Apple Watch estimates VO₂ max from submaximal exercise, but how accurate is it?
In our study of 40 adults, it underestimated VO₂ max by ~6 ml/kg/min—often a whole fitness category.
📄 DOI: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
In our study of 40 adults, it underestimated VO₂ max by ~6 ml/kg/min—often a whole fitness category.
📄 DOI: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
Wearables like Oura, WHOOP + Garmin give you a single “readiness” score.
Our new review shows most rely on just 2 metrics (RHR + HRV), with opaque algorithms + overlapping inputs.
Good for trends, not daily judgment. 📄 doi.org/10.1515/teb-...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
Our new review shows most rely on just 2 metrics (RHR + HRV), with opaque algorithms + overlapping inputs.
Good for trends, not daily judgment. 📄 doi.org/10.1515/teb-...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
August 18, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Wearables like Oura, WHOOP + Garmin give you a single “readiness” score.
Our new review shows most rely on just 2 metrics (RHR + HRV), with opaque algorithms + overlapping inputs.
Good for trends, not daily judgment. 📄 doi.org/10.1515/teb-...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
Our new review shows most rely on just 2 metrics (RHR + HRV), with opaque algorithms + overlapping inputs.
Good for trends, not daily judgment. 📄 doi.org/10.1515/teb-...
@insightcentre.bsky.social @ucddublin.bsky.social
We reviewed the privacy policies of 17 wearable brands.
Most fall short. Some don’t say who can access your data—or what they’d do if it leaked.
Full paper in @natureportfolio.nature.com:
doi.org/10.1038/s417...
Should rules be stricter?
Most fall short. Some don’t say who can access your data—or what they’d do if it leaked.
Full paper in @natureportfolio.nature.com:
doi.org/10.1038/s417...
Should rules be stricter?
August 7, 2025 at 8:46 AM
We reviewed the privacy policies of 17 wearable brands.
Most fall short. Some don’t say who can access your data—or what they’d do if it leaked.
Full paper in @natureportfolio.nature.com:
doi.org/10.1038/s417...
Should rules be stricter?
Most fall short. Some don’t say who can access your data—or what they’d do if it leaked.
Full paper in @natureportfolio.nature.com:
doi.org/10.1038/s417...
Should rules be stricter?
🫀 HRV: does it actually reflect how you feel?
We tracked 41 people for 14 days.
✅ HRV linked to feeling better.
❌ Not linked to soreness.
⚠️ HRV varied up to 70% day to day.
The insight?
Single numbers mislead. Patterns reveal.
🎥 Watch the explainer: youtu.be/E_SJ1Lj5B6Y
@ucdpress.bsky.social
We tracked 41 people for 14 days.
✅ HRV linked to feeling better.
❌ Not linked to soreness.
⚠️ HRV varied up to 70% day to day.
The insight?
Single numbers mislead. Patterns reveal.
🎥 Watch the explainer: youtu.be/E_SJ1Lj5B6Y
@ucdpress.bsky.social
Can You Trust Your HRV? What 14 Days of Real-World Data Revealed
YouTube video by Dr Cailbhe Doherty
youtu.be
July 24, 2025 at 8:12 AM
🫀 HRV: does it actually reflect how you feel?
We tracked 41 people for 14 days.
✅ HRV linked to feeling better.
❌ Not linked to soreness.
⚠️ HRV varied up to 70% day to day.
The insight?
Single numbers mislead. Patterns reveal.
🎥 Watch the explainer: youtu.be/E_SJ1Lj5B6Y
@ucdpress.bsky.social
We tracked 41 people for 14 days.
✅ HRV linked to feeling better.
❌ Not linked to soreness.
⚠️ HRV varied up to 70% day to day.
The insight?
Single numbers mislead. Patterns reveal.
🎥 Watch the explainer: youtu.be/E_SJ1Lj5B6Y
@ucdpress.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Cailbhe Doherty
💻 Online Scoliosis Education: explaining our trial to the #WorldPhysio2025 audience in Tokyo 🇯🇵 Thanks to supervisor @cailbhe.bsky.social of @insightcentre.bsky.social
May 31, 2025 at 7:41 AM
💻 Online Scoliosis Education: explaining our trial to the #WorldPhysio2025 audience in Tokyo 🇯🇵 Thanks to supervisor @cailbhe.bsky.social of @insightcentre.bsky.social
📱 Can You Trust Apple Watch for HRV? 🧠
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful marker of stress and recovery—but how accurate is the Apple Watch at measuring it?
🎥 Watch the full breakdown: youtu.be/kJhDe53pU1s
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful marker of stress and recovery—but how accurate is the Apple Watch at measuring it?
🎥 Watch the full breakdown: youtu.be/kJhDe53pU1s
Can You Trust Apple Watch for HRV? A Scientific Validation Study
YouTube video by Dr Cailbhe Doherty
youtu.be
April 22, 2025 at 11:44 AM
📱 Can You Trust Apple Watch for HRV? 🧠
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful marker of stress and recovery—but how accurate is the Apple Watch at measuring it?
🎥 Watch the full breakdown: youtu.be/kJhDe53pU1s
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a powerful marker of stress and recovery—but how accurate is the Apple Watch at measuring it?
🎥 Watch the full breakdown: youtu.be/kJhDe53pU1s
Reposted by Dr Cailbhe Doherty
⌚️🏃♀️ Opinion - How trustworthy is your fitness tracker score?
🏋️♀️ "Fitness trackers can still offer valuable insights..."
✍️ Assistant Professor @cailbhe.bsky.social writing in @theconversation.com
🏋️♀️ "Fitness trackers can still offer valuable insights..."
✍️ Assistant Professor @cailbhe.bsky.social writing in @theconversation.com
April 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
⌚️🏃♀️ Opinion - How trustworthy is your fitness tracker score?
🏋️♀️ "Fitness trackers can still offer valuable insights..."
✍️ Assistant Professor @cailbhe.bsky.social writing in @theconversation.com
🏋️♀️ "Fitness trackers can still offer valuable insights..."
✍️ Assistant Professor @cailbhe.bsky.social writing in @theconversation.com
Your fitness tracker gives you a daily “readiness” or “recovery” score — but how accurate are those numbers?
Our new article in TheConversation explores the science (and the guesswork) behind wearables' health scores.
📲 Read here:
theconversation.com/how-trustwor...
Our new article in TheConversation explores the science (and the guesswork) behind wearables' health scores.
📲 Read here:
theconversation.com/how-trustwor...
How trustworthy is your fitness tracker score?
New research shows a lot of data goes into scores like “readiness” and “strain” but it’s not clear how personalised these numbers really are.
theconversation.com
April 11, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Your fitness tracker gives you a daily “readiness” or “recovery” score — but how accurate are those numbers?
Our new article in TheConversation explores the science (and the guesswork) behind wearables' health scores.
📲 Read here:
theconversation.com/how-trustwor...
Our new article in TheConversation explores the science (and the guesswork) behind wearables' health scores.
📲 Read here:
theconversation.com/how-trustwor...
How accurate are wearable fitness trackers?
Less than you might think…
via @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/how-accurate...
#NationalChallengeFund #NextGenerationEU
Less than you might think…
via @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/how-accurate...
#NationalChallengeFund #NextGenerationEU
theconversation.com
March 5, 2025 at 8:37 AM
How accurate are wearable fitness trackers?
Less than you might think…
via @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/how-accurate...
#NationalChallengeFund #NextGenerationEU
Less than you might think…
via @theconversation.com
theconversation.com/how-accurate...
#NationalChallengeFund #NextGenerationEU
Smartwatches know far too much about us. Why aren’t we more worried?
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024...
Cailbhe Doherty: Smartwatches know far too much about us. Why aren’t we more worried?
Data doesn’t get much more sensitive than measuring your atrial fibrillation, blood pressure or blood glucose
www.irishtimes.com
February 7, 2024 at 6:54 AM
Smartwatches know far too much about us. Why aren’t we more worried?
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2024...
Can you exercise too much?
Studies suggest that extreme exercise doesn't significantly raise mortality risks compared to moderate levels.
Full video here: youtu.be/7WWZ3XswLkY
Studies suggest that extreme exercise doesn't significantly raise mortality risks compared to moderate levels.
Full video here: youtu.be/7WWZ3XswLkY
December 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Can you exercise too much?
Studies suggest that extreme exercise doesn't significantly raise mortality risks compared to moderate levels.
Full video here: youtu.be/7WWZ3XswLkY
Studies suggest that extreme exercise doesn't significantly raise mortality risks compared to moderate levels.
Full video here: youtu.be/7WWZ3XswLkY
AI in academia: a 'Jagged Frontier.' Inside, AI boosts efficiency in admin, content creation, and grading. Outside, it falls short in mentoring, ethics, and original research. On the frontier, AI is emerging in data analytics and interactive learning.
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
November 29, 2023 at 5:06 PM
AI in academia: a 'Jagged Frontier.' Inside, AI boosts efficiency in admin, content creation, and grading. Outside, it falls short in mentoring, ethics, and original research. On the frontier, AI is emerging in data analytics and interactive learning.
dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn...
"Our relaxed attitude to the scientific fraud epidemic is a disaster-in-waiting...the lack of due diligence means the rewards for bending or breaking the scientific rules tend to outweigh the incentives to observe them"
www.ft.com/content/c886...
www.ft.com/content/c886...
There is a scientific fraud epidemic — and we are ignoring the cure
Rooting out manipulation should not depend on dedicated amateurs who take personal legal risks for the greater good
www.ft.com
November 22, 2023 at 12:42 PM
"Our relaxed attitude to the scientific fraud epidemic is a disaster-in-waiting...the lack of due diligence means the rewards for bending or breaking the scientific rules tend to outweigh the incentives to observe them"
www.ft.com/content/c886...
www.ft.com/content/c886...