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Sohn R, Assar T, Kaufhold I, Brenneis M, Braun S, Junker M, Zaucke F, Pongratz G, Jenei-Lanzl Z. Osteoarthritis patients exhibit an autonomic dysfunction with indirect sympathetic dominance. J Transl Med 2024; 22:467. [PMID: 38755685 PMCID: PMC11100157 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease causing limited mobility and pain, with no curative treatment available. Recent in vivo studies suggested autonomic alterations during OA progression in patients, yet clinical evidence is scarce. Therefore, autonomic tone was analyzed in OA patients via heart rate variability (HRV) measurements. METHODS Time-domain (SDRR, RMSSD, pRR50) and frequency-domain (LF, HF, LF/HF) HRV indices were determined to quantify sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. In addition, perceived stress, WOMAC pain as well as serum catecholamines, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) were analyzed. The impact of the grade of disease (GoD) was evaluated by linear regression analysis and correlations with clinical data were performed. RESULTS GoD significantly impacted the autonomic tone in OA patients. All time-domain parameters reflected slightly decreased HRV in early OA patients and significantly reduced HRV in late OA patients. Moreover, frequency-domain analysis revealed decreased HF and LF power in all OA patients, reflecting diminished parasympathetic and sympathetic activities. However, LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in early OA patients compared to late OA patients and implied a clear sympathetic dominance. Furthermore, OA patients perceived significantly higher chronic stress and WOMAC pain levels compared to healthy controls. Serum cortisol and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio significantly increased with GoD and positively correlated with WOMAC pain. In contrast, serum catecholamines only trended to increase with GoD and pain level. CONCLUSIONS This prospective study provides compelling evidence of an autonomic dysfunction with indirect sympathetic dominance in early and late knee OA patients for the first time based on HRV analyses and further confirmed by serum stress hormone measurements. Increased sympathetic activity and chronic low-grade inflammation in OA as well as in its major comorbidities reinforce each other and might therefore create a vicious cycle. The observed autonomic alterations coupled with increased stress and pain levels highlight the potential of HRV as a prognostic marker. In addition, modulation of autonomic activity represents an attractive future therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sohn
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tina Assar
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Isabelle Kaufhold
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Marco Brenneis
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Braun
- Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, 60528, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marius Junker
- Department of Orthopedics, Tabea Hospital Hamburg, 22587, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Zaucke
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Pongratz
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, St. John of God Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Zsuzsa Jenei-Lanzl
- Dr. Rolf M. Schwiete Research Unit for Osteoarthritis, Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Marienburgstr. 2, 60528, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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Wesemann U, Renner KH, Rowlands K, Köhler K, Hüttermann N, Himmerich H. Incidence of mental disorders in soldiers deployed to Afghanistan who have or have not experienced a life-threatening military incident-a quasi-experimental cohort study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1357836. [PMID: 38584933 PMCID: PMC10995976 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1357836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is very good international research on deployment-related mental disorders in military personnel. The incidence rates show a very wide range. A new strategy is therefore proposed in order to achieve better standardization and thus better comparability of the studies. In addition to a non-deployed comparison group, we propose to compare deployed soldiers with and without critical military incidents during the deployment. This additional distinction makes it possible to differentiate between the influencing variables of actual threat and general deployment stress. Methods N = 358 male combat soldiers deployed to Afghanistan were included in the study. Clinical interviews were conducted several days before deployment and after deployment. Of them, n = 80 soldiers suffered a life-threatening military incident during deployment, whereas 278 soldiers did not. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for the groups with and without critical military incidents and the new onset for PTSD, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. Results When comparing both groups, we found significantly higher 1-year incidence rates in the group with critical military incidents: 6.4% vs. 1.1% (OR 6.2) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); 7.0% vs. 1.1% (OR 6.5) for depression; and 15.9% vs. 2.8% (OR 6.6) for anxiety disorders. The 1-year incidence rate of mental multimorbidity (PTSD with anxiety or depression) was 4.8% vs. 0.4% (OR 12.0). Discussion These results indicate that life-threatening military incidents during military deployment are important to mental health. As the different threat levels of the various missions are taken into account, additional predictors could be determined more precisely in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Wesemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Renner
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Bundeswehr University Munich, Neubiberg, Germany
| | - Katie Rowlands
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom
| | - Kai Köhler
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils Hüttermann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hubertus Himmerich
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), London, United Kingdom
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Teixeira IG, Verzola MR, Filipini RE, Speretta GF. The effects of a firefighting simulation on the vascular and autonomic functions and cognitive performance: a randomized crossover study. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1215006. [PMID: 37811491 PMCID: PMC10551144 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1215006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: During firefighting, physical and cognitive demands increase. However, the stress inherent to these events can decrease cognitive performance and increase the risk of cardiovascular events in firefighters. Thus, this crossover study aimed to evaluate the effects of a firefighting Simulation on cognitive performance and vascular and autonomic functions in military firefighters. Methods: Sixteen firefighters (37.8 ± 5.6 years) underwent anthropometry, mental health status, and sleep quality assessments. They randomly performed two interventions, Simulation (Firefighting tasks; 10.0 ± 1.1 min) and Control (rest for 10 min), on different days. After both interventions, cognitive performance was assessed using the Stroop Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, and Trail Making Test. Then, the vascular function was assessed using ultrasonography through the carotid artery reactivity to the cold pressor test. The arterial pressure, heart rate, and cardiac intervals were recorded before interventions. The cardiac intervals were also measured during the cold pressor test. Student's t-test and Wilcoxon were used for comparisons between Control and Simulation and the analysis of variance for repeated measures was used for comparison over time during the cold pressor test. A significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Results: Although the mean and maximum heart rate were higher before the Simulation (p < 0.0001), all the heart rate variability parameters (p > 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p > 0.3795) were similar before the interventions. After Simulation, the cognitive performance was similar to Control (p > 0.05), except for the improvement in Stroop Test part B (p < 0.0001). After Simulation, carotid artery reactivity was attenuated (p < 0.0010). During the cold pressor test, the high-frequency band of the heart rate variability was lower after the Simulation (p < 0.0104). Discussion: Although firefighting Simulation did not substantially change cognitive performance, the lower carotid artery reactivity and parasympathetic modulation to the heart during the cold pressor test may contribute to greater vulnerability to cardiovascular events in firefighters on duty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iara G. Teixeira
- Post-Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Marcio R. Verzola
- Military Firefighters Corps of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Richard E. Filipini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Guilherme F. Speretta
- Post-Graduate Program in Neurosciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological Sciences Centre, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Tramel W, Schram B, Canetti E, Orr R. An Examination of Subjective and Objective Measures of Stress in Tactical Populations: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2515. [PMID: 37761712 PMCID: PMC10530665 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Persons working in tactical occupations are often exposed to high-stress situations. If this stress is to be measured, an understanding of the stress outcomes used in these occupations is needed. The aim of this review was to capture and critically appraise research investigating subjective and objective outcome measures of physiological stress in tactical occupations. Several literature databases (PubMed, EMBASE, EBsco) were searched using key search words and terms. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were critically evaluated and scored by two authors using the Joanne Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Of 17,171 articles, 42 studies were retained. The Cohen's Kappa agreement between authors was 0.829 with a mean JBI Score of included studies of 8.1/9 ± 0.37 points. Multiple subjective and objective measures were assessed during a variety of high-stress tasks and environments across different occupations, including police officers, emergency service personnel, firefighters, and soldiers in the military. Common objective outcomes measures were heart rate, cortisol, and body temperature, and subjective measures were ratings of perceived exertion, and the Self Trait Anxiety Inventory. Often used in combination (i.e., subjective and objective), these outcome measures can be used to monitor stressors faced by tactical personnel undergoing on-the-job training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Tramel
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia; (B.S.); (E.C.); (R.O.)
| | - Ben Schram
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia; (B.S.); (E.C.); (R.O.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Elisa Canetti
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia; (B.S.); (E.C.); (R.O.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
| | - Robin Orr
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia; (B.S.); (E.C.); (R.O.)
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
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Wójcik M, Siatkowski I. The effect of cranial techniques on the heart rate variability response to psychological stress test in firefighter cadets. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7780. [PMID: 37179419 PMCID: PMC10183023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a simple tool to monitor cardiovascular stress. The proper function of the cardiovascular system is a problem among firefighters. Physical activity has health benefits correlated with psychological stress. Physically active people should be more resilient to psychological stress, but this has not always been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether cranial techniques would have an effect on HRV parameters. Osteopathy in the cranium reduces stress and improves cardiovascular function. Fifty-seven firefighter cadets aged 18-24 years (21.63 ± 1.41) participated in the study. All subjects had their heart rate variability measured and were randomly assigned either to the cranial techniques (CS) group, with therapy performed once a week for 5 weeks), or to the control group (CO). After 5 weeks, heart rate variability was measured again in both groups. In the Friedman test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant effect of cranial techniques on Heart Rate (HR) and Low Frequency (LF), but not on High Frequency (HF); in the CO group, a statistically significant difference was observed for HR, HF and LF. In the Nemenyi test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant difference for HR and LF and in the CO group for HR, HF and LF. After applying hierarchical clustering with Euclidean measure and the complete method, dendrograms were drawn up showing similarities for HR, HF and LF values. The cranial techniques and touch might exert a beneficial effect on HRV. Both factors can be used in stressful situations to lower HRV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Wójcik
- Department of Physiotherapy, Poznan University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzow Wlkp., 61-871, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Idzi Siatkowski
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznan University of Life Science, 60-637, Poznan, Poland
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Corrigan SL, Roberts SSH, Warmington SA, Drain JR, Tait JL, Bulmer S, Main LC. Overnight heart rate variability responses to military combat engineer training. Appl Ergon 2023; 107:103935. [PMID: 36371929 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine if overnight heart rate variability (HRV) is reflective of workload and stress during military training. Measures of cognitive load, perceived exertion, physical activity, nocturnal HRV, cognitive performance and sleep were recorded for a 15-day assessment period in 32 combat engineers. The assessment period consisted of 4 phases, PRE, FIELD, BASE and RECOVERY that exposed trainees to periods of sleep deprivation and restriction. The FIELD phase was characterised by an increase in mood disturbance, perceived exertion, physical activity, HRV and a reduction in sleep quantity (p < 0.05). Measures of HRV returned to PRE-values quicker than subjective wellbeing responses. The combination of sleep duration (β = -0.002, F = 13.42, p < 0.001) and physical activity (metabolic equivalents, β = -0.483, F = 5.95, p = 0.017), the main stressors of the exercise, provided a significant effect in the best predictive model of HRV. The different recovery rates of HRV and subjective wellbeing suggest a different physiological and psychological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Corrigan
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | - Stuart A Warmington
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jace R Drain
- Defence Science and Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jamie L Tait
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean Bulmer
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luana C Main
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Paulo AC, Caldeira Júnior C, Grani G, Farah L, Jesus da Cruz A, Xavier de Souza Araújo W, de Lourdes Nahhas Rodacki C. Impact of different personal protective clothing for firefighters in mountain areas. Work 2023:WOR220201. [PMID: 36683485 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mountain hiking is an unpredictable activity for firefighters during the search, rescue, and firefighting. Could the quality of the uniform worn by firefighters affect psychophysiological variables? OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to monitor the responses of perceived exertion (RPE), musculoskeletal pain (MP), and heart rate variability (HRV) responses in firefighters using different uniforms on a 5 km mountain walking activity. The feeling of comfort, safety, and ergonomic adjustment of the two types of uniforms also was verified. METHODS Sixteen firefighters were divided into two groups: 4thRUPM"B2" (33% polyester and 67% cotton) vs. GOLD (50% polyamide and 50% cotton). The GOLD group wore a prototype that had not yet been operationally tested. RESULTS The independent t-test showed that the groups had similar results in RPE at post-march (Omni-Walk/Run = 3.5±0.9 vs. 2.9±0.6 AU). ANOVA Two-way (2x group and 2x time) was used to verify differences in body mass (BM), MP, and HRV. There was a main effect of time (pre vs. post-march; p < 0.05) for BM, MP, heart rate (HR), mean RR, RMSSD, pNN50, and HF, regardless of group (4thRUPM"B2" vs. GOLD). Rainwater increased post-march BM (92.2±9.8 kg vs. 93.5±9.9 kg). MP (28.9±2.9 vs 33.2±7.7 AU), HR (71.6±14.2 vs 99.0±26.3 bpm), RMSSD (74.8±53.7 vs 126.5±74.4 ms) and HF (48.5±20.2 vs 60.0±16.7 nu) also increased post-march. The mean RR (875.2±153.3 vs. 673.9±155.3 ms) and pNN50 (33.1±18.6 vs. 46.3±23.9%) reduced post-march. There was a subjective preference for GOLD. CONCLUSION Different uniforms do not compromise psychophysiological variables during the mountain hike but differentiate ergonomic subjectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Caetano Paulo
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Cleonir Caldeira Júnior
- Academic Department of Physical Education, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Farah
- University Center Campos de Andrade, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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Corrigan SL, Roberts S, Warmington S, Drain J, Main LC. Monitoring stress and allostatic load in first responders and tactical operators using heart rate variability: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1701. [PMID: 34537038 PMCID: PMC8449887 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11595-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Awareness of the cumulative stress placed on first responders and tactical operators is required to manage acute fatigue, which can impair occupational performance, and may precipitate negative chronic health outcomes. The aim of this review was to investigate the utility of heart rate variability (HRV) to monitor stress and allostatic load among these populations. METHODS A systematic search of Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE complete, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus and Scopus databases was conducted. Eligibility criteria: original peer reviewed research articles, written in English, published between 1985 and 2020, using human participants employed as a first responder or tactical operator, free from any psychological disorder. RESULTS Of the 360 articles screened, 60 met the inclusion criteria and were included for full text assessment. Articles were classified based on single or repeated stressor exposure and the time of HRV assessment (baseline, during stressor, post stressor). Singular stressful events elicited a reduction in HRV from baseline to during the event. Stressors of greater magnitude reduced HRV for extended durations post stressor. Lower resting HRV was associated with lower situational awareness and impaired decision-making performance in marksmanship and navigation tasks. There were insufficient studies to evaluate the utility of HRV to assess allostatic load in repeated stressor contexts. CONCLUSION A reduction in HRV occurred in response to acute physical and cognitive occupational stressors. A slower rate of recovery of HRV after the completion of acute occupational stressors appears to occur in response to stressors of greater magnitude. The association between lower HRV and lower decision-making performance poses as a useful tool but further investigations on within subject changes between these factors and their relationship is required. More research is required to investigate the suitability of HRV as a measure of allostatic load in repeated stress exposures for fatigue management in first responder and tactical operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L Corrigan
- Deakin University, Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - Spencer Roberts
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart Warmington
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jace Drain
- Defence Science and Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, Australia
| | - Luana C Main
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Hirten RP, Danieletto M, Tomalin L, Choi KH, Zweig M, Golden E, Kaur S, Helmus D, Biello A, Pyzik R, Calcogna C, Freeman R, Sands BE, Charney D, Bottinger EP, Murrough JW, Keefer L, Suarez-Farinas M, Nadkarni GN, Fayad ZA. Factors Associated with Longitudinal Psychological and Physiological Stress in Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Study Using Apple Watch Data. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e31295. [PMID: 34379602 PMCID: PMC8439178 DOI: 10.2196/31295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a high degree of psychological distress among health care workers (HCWs). There is a need to characterize which HCWs are at an increased risk of developing psychological effects from the pandemic. Given the differences in the response of individuals to stress, an analysis of both the perceived and physiological consequences of stressors can provide a comprehensive evaluation of its impact. Objective This study aimed to determine characteristics associated with longitudinal perceived stress in HCWs and to assess whether changes in heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic nervous system function, are associated with features protective against longitudinal stress. Methods HCWs across 7 hospitals in New York City, NY, were prospectively followed in an ongoing observational digital study using the custom Warrior Watch Study app. Participants wore an Apple Watch for the duration of the study to measure HRV throughout the follow-up period. Surveys measuring perceived stress, resilience, emotional support, quality of life, and optimism were collected at baseline and longitudinally. Results A total of 361 participants (mean age 36.8, SD 10.1 years; female: n=246, 69.3%) were enrolled. Multivariate analysis found New York City’s COVID-19 case count to be associated with increased longitudinal stress (P=.008). Baseline emotional support, quality of life, and resilience were associated with decreased longitudinal stress (P<.001). A significant reduction in stress during the 4-week period after COVID-19 diagnosis was observed in the highest tertial of emotional support (P=.03) and resilience (P=.006). Participants in the highest tertial of baseline emotional support and resilience had a significantly different circadian pattern of longitudinally collected HRV compared to subjects in the low or medium tertial. Conclusions High resilience, emotional support, and quality of life place HCWs at reduced risk of longitudinal perceived stress and have a distinct physiological stress profile. Our findings support the use of these characteristics to identify HCWs at risk of the psychological and physiological stress effects of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Hirten
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | | | - Lewis Tomalin
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | | | - Micol Zweig
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Eddye Golden
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Sparshdeep Kaur
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Drew Helmus
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Anthony Biello
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Renata Pyzik
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | | | - Robert Freeman
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Bruce E Sands
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | - Dennis Charney
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | | | | | - Laurie Keefer
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
| | | | | | - Zahi A Fayad
- Icahn School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L Levy Place, New York, US
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