Editorial: Body-centric computing for health and wellbeing

Zhuying Li, Xipei Ren, Chengyu Liu, Ding Ding, Xinyi Fu

Abstract: Body-centric computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative approach for enhancing health and 2 wellbeing. This field focuses on the integration of computational technologies with the human body, aiming 3 to monitor, analyze, and improve various aspects of physical and mental health (Mueller et al., 2018).At the core of body-centric computing are technologies such as wearable sensors, smart fabrics, and 5 integrated devices that gather crucial health data in real time (Li et al., 2023). These technologies often 6 track one's health metrics and encourage active wellness management (Ren et al., 2018). Its applications 7 extend beyond mere health monitoring to include devices that support healthy living, enhance medical 8 rehabilitation, personalize treatments, and improve overall wellbeing through immersive experiences. For 9 example, wearables can measure exercise intensity, heart rate changes, and mood fluctuations to offer 10 personalized health advice, encouraging users to adjust their lifestyles for improved well-being. Another 11 example includes augmented reality glasses that facilitate stress-relieving breathing exercises within natural 12 environment settings, aiming to lower anxiety and bolster mental health (Zheng et al., 2023).In recent years, interest in body-centric computing for health and wellbeing has increased, with a growing 14 emphasis on developing user-friendly technologies that seamlessly integrate into daily life. The ultimate aim 15 is to create a symbiotic relationship between the human body and digital technology, enabling individuals 16 to proactively manage their health and wellbeing with informed, data-driven decisions, thereby offering a 17 new paradigm in health and wellness management.In this research topic, we call for submissions that explore the use of body-centric computing for health In total, five papers were eventually accepted in this Research Topic. These studies offer a diverse array of 26 insights ranging from design implications and health monitoring to practical applications, each pushing the 27 boundaries of how we integrate technology with the human body for enhanced living. Below, we provide a 28 brief overview of these innovative contributions.