Recommended Citation
Khan HA, Roberts G, Mussman M, Shields M, Patel A. The LIVE FOR Band Pilot Study: The Utility of a Wearable Mental Health Tool for Teens. Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Abstract
Background/Significance:
Depression and anxiety are serious and alarmingly common challenges adolescents face, with 19.2% of teens screening positive for depression in 2023. Many barriers to mental health care exist, including social stigma, treatment cost, and limited provider availability. Little is known on the utility of other supplemental mental health tools for teens. Mental health wearables are a novel concept, with limited past research. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of nonelectronic wearable tools on adolescents’ mental health.
Purpose:
The purpose of the pilot study was to distribute LIVE FOR Bands (LFBs) to Adolescent Medicine Clinic patients and obtain feedback to understand the utility and potential benefits of wearing LFBs. Ultimately, we hope to prove that LFBs are a simple way to support mental health among adolescents.
Methods:
The LIVE FOR Pilot Study is a prospective, single site, observational study to identify the utility and benefits of wearing LFBs. Adolescent Medicine Clinic patients age 12+ at the AMG Outpatient Center in Aurora, IL were eligible to participate. LFBs were customized based on patient preference, assembled by the study team, and shipped to participants within one week of enrollment. After 4-6 weeks, participants returned for a routine follow-up visit where they completed a 13-question feedback survey. Data was collected, managed, and analyzed in REDCap. Descriptive statistics, including means and frequencies, were generated for key variables.
Results:
LFBs were distributed to 46 patients between August-December 2025. Thirty patients (65%) completed the REDCap survey. Twenty-three (76.7%) identified as female, 7 (23.3%) identified as male, and the mean age was 15.7. Utilization of LFBs was high, with 12 (40.0%) participants wearing LFBs every day, and 5 (16.7%) wearing LFBs 4-6 days per week. Participants identified benefits to wearing the LFB, with 24 (80.0%) stating that the LFB helped them cope or improve their mood, and 27 (93.1%) stating that wearing the LFB reminded them of something/someone positive in their life. Nearly all participants (96.7%) would recommend LFBs to a friend or family member.
Conclusion:
LFBs can serve as a supplemental mental health tool to help promote positive coping among teens.
Presentation Notes
Presented at Scientific Day; May 20, 2026; Milwaukee, WI.
Full Text of Presentation
wf_yes
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
The LIVE FOR Band Pilot Study: The Utility of a Wearable Mental Health Tool for Teens
Background/Significance:
Depression and anxiety are serious and alarmingly common challenges adolescents face, with 19.2% of teens screening positive for depression in 2023. Many barriers to mental health care exist, including social stigma, treatment cost, and limited provider availability. Little is known on the utility of other supplemental mental health tools for teens. Mental health wearables are a novel concept, with limited past research. To our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of nonelectronic wearable tools on adolescents’ mental health.
Purpose:
The purpose of the pilot study was to distribute LIVE FOR Bands (LFBs) to Adolescent Medicine Clinic patients and obtain feedback to understand the utility and potential benefits of wearing LFBs. Ultimately, we hope to prove that LFBs are a simple way to support mental health among adolescents.
Methods:
The LIVE FOR Pilot Study is a prospective, single site, observational study to identify the utility and benefits of wearing LFBs. Adolescent Medicine Clinic patients age 12+ at the AMG Outpatient Center in Aurora, IL were eligible to participate. LFBs were customized based on patient preference, assembled by the study team, and shipped to participants within one week of enrollment. After 4-6 weeks, participants returned for a routine follow-up visit where they completed a 13-question feedback survey. Data was collected, managed, and analyzed in REDCap. Descriptive statistics, including means and frequencies, were generated for key variables.
Results:
LFBs were distributed to 46 patients between August-December 2025. Thirty patients (65%) completed the REDCap survey. Twenty-three (76.7%) identified as female, 7 (23.3%) identified as male, and the mean age was 15.7. Utilization of LFBs was high, with 12 (40.0%) participants wearing LFBs every day, and 5 (16.7%) wearing LFBs 4-6 days per week. Participants identified benefits to wearing the LFB, with 24 (80.0%) stating that the LFB helped them cope or improve their mood, and 27 (93.1%) stating that wearing the LFB reminded them of something/someone positive in their life. Nearly all participants (96.7%) would recommend LFBs to a friend or family member.
Conclusion:
LFBs can serve as a supplemental mental health tool to help promote positive coping among teens.
Affiliations
Advocate Christ Medical Center, Advocate Aurora Research Institute