None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Prolonged stress is known to cause mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, there is not a gold standard measure of stress. Stress levels are subjectively assessed using questionnaires and having instruments that can evaluate stress levels more directly (i.e., through heart rate variability [HRV]) could help with the early detection of stress, and potentially prevent the onset of stress-related conditions. Wearable devices are popular and have the capacity to collect data continuously, in real-time, which may help monitor stress levels. In the WEARABLE (Wristband hEArt Rate vAriaBiLity to measure strEss) study, we aim to examine whether a WHOOP®-derived HRV, a proposed marker of stress levels, can be a reliable and accurate measure of stress. We will investigate the associations of stress levels (HRV assessed by a wrist strap) with self-reported stress (commonly used questionnaires), HRV assessed using an electrocardiogram (ECG [gold-standard for measuring HRV]) and hair cortisol (biomarker of stress). The outcomes of this pilot study could provide evidence for the use of wrist wearable devices in future clinical trials investigating the role of stress on health outcomes. Additionally, this may encourage improvements with the inclusion of HRV measures in commercially available wrist wearable devices, so there is a broad range of devices that can be used to monitor stress levels in the wider population. Currently there is no gold standard for measuring stress levels. The best measures include self-reported instruments using questionnaires, salivary or hair cortisol and HRV assessed using ECG. Although ECG is the gold standard for measuring HRV, which is related to stress levels, it is unclear whether HRV could directly represent stress levels.
Interventions
The primary aim of this study is to explore whether heart rate variability (HRV) measured using the WHOOP wristband is a reliable measure of stress levels, compared to current measures (i.e., questionnaires).
Study visits and assessments
Participants who are eligible and consent to participate, will be invited to attend 2 face-to-face study visits over a period of 2-3 weeks. The first visit will be a group clinic visit and the second an individual clinic visit. Each visit will take approximatel
The primary aim of this study is to explore whether heart rate variability (HRV) measured using the WHOOP wristband is a reliable measure of stress levels, compared to current measures (i.e., questionnaires). Study visits and assessments Participants who are eligible and consent to participate, will be invited to attend 2 face-to-face study visits over a period of 2-3 weeks. The first visit will be a group clinic visit and the second an individual clinic visit. Each visit will take approximately 60 minutes. Group clinic visit (~10-12 participants) at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) Research Foundation (RF), ~60 minutes: 1) Participants will be provided with a WHOOP wristband (free of charge) 2) Participants will be asked to download a WHOOP application on their phone. 3) Participants will be required to wear a WHOOP wristband for a minimum of 14 consecutive days (24/7). 4) Participants will be asked to measure their blood pressure twice a day (in the morning and in the evening), for 14 consecutive days, using a portable monitor (provided). 5) Participants will be required to complete online questionnaires at home at their convenience, one time during the study (one link includes 60 questions - estimated time for completion is 1 hour; one link for reporting medication use - estimated time for completion is 10 minutes). Individual (final) study clinic visit (~60 minutes) at RPH RF: An individual clinic visit will be scheduled within 2-3 weeks after the group clinic visit. This will be the second and final clinic visit, and the investigators will: 1) Measure participants body weight and height 2) Assess participants grip strength 3) Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) 4) Collect a sample of hair which will be used to assess cortisol levels (stress hormone); this is optional 5) Provide a $30 gift card
Sponsors
Nutrition & Health Innovation Research Institute
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1) Male and female students aged over 18y 2) Have a smartphone 3) Comply with all study procedures 4) Be willing and able to provide a written informed consent and understand all pertinent aspects of the trial
Exclusion criteria
1) Unable to attend study visits 2) Not be participating in any other research studies 3) Any other reason that the investigator deems the individual unsuitable to be enrolled (i.e., participant doesn’t seem to understand the information provided)
Outcome results
None listed