Covid19, Stress, Wearables
Conditions
Keywords
stress, frontliner, covid19, wearables
Brief summary
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented stress on healthcare systems in affected countries, and in particular, on the healthcare workers at the frontline working directly with COVID-19 positive patients. Numerous lines of evidence support the damaging impact of stress on our immune systems which increases susceptibility to infection. Yet, the accurate measurement of immediate stress responses in real time and in naturalistic settings has so far been a challenge, limiting our understanding of how different facets of acute or sustained stress increases susceptibility. This study utilizes wearable technologies including an Oura smart ring as well as semi-continuous passive and active biometric measurements carried out using individuals' own smartphones equipped with applications to track and transmit key data to measure frontline workers stress and recovery during a uniquely stressful and high-risk work environment.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALLifestyle (Meditation)
Those in the meditation arm (exercisers) were instructed to complete meditation sessions from the smartphone app, Headspace 2 or more times a week for a duration of 4 weeks.
BEHAVIORALLifestyle (Exercise)
Those in the physical activity arm (meditators) were instructed to complete 30 minutes to 1 hour of physical activity for 2 or more sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Sponsors
Center for International Emergency Medical Services
Evidation Health
Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence
Cambridge Cognition Ltd
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
4YouandMe
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SCREENING
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
All Interested and enrolled participants in the main Stress and Recovery were invited to participate in a lifestyle intervention arm. Participants were instructed to self-select into either a physical activity arm, or a meditation arm. Participants were excluded if they were already partaking in both regular physical exercise, and meditation.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthcare workers working directly with COVID-19 patients, or whose work routines have been shifted from COVID-19 * Age over 18 years * Able to speak, write and read English, given the app will be available only in English * Able to provide informed consent * Have a personal IOS mobile phone (OS11 and above). * Own a personal wearable device including a Fitbit, Garmin, or Oura ring (BYOD arm only)
Exclusion criteria
\- Prior COVID-19 infection
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Study Retention | 4 months | Proportion of participants completing the study |
| Daily survey/task adherence | 4 months | Average completion of daily app-based surveys/tasks |
| Oura adherence | 4 months | Average usage of the Oura smartring during study follow-up |
| Garmin adherence | 4 months | Average usage of the Garmin smartwatch during study follow-up |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed