Abstract
Background: Just as it is difficult to define stress and burnout with an objective measure, stress-reducing strategies and behavioral modification techniques are also challenging to compare due to lack of objectivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a metric that shows promise quantitatively measuring stress and predicting burnout.
Objective: We hypothesize that the wearable device technology, WHOOP™, will provide objective data that may enhance resident wellness.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted during the years 2020-2021 using the PubMed electronic database. Data regarding HRV was reviewed to analyze wearable devices such as the WHOOP™ as a measurement of resident stress levels and risk of burnout.
Results: Sleep, exercise, and alcohol consumption are factors that demonstrate stress-associated variation in HRV. Existing neurobiological evidence supports HRV as an objective means to assess physician stress levels. Furthermore, HRV is the metric of choice for WHOOP™ devices for measurement of strain and recovery time as affected by these factors.
Conclusion: HRV is an objective way to quantify stress, which could be used to develop screening tools for resident burnout. The WHOOP™ device provides real time data on sleep, exercise, and alcohol that residents can use to modify behavior thus promoting healthier lifestyles.
Objective: We hypothesize that the wearable device technology, WHOOP™, will provide objective data that may enhance resident wellness.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted during the years 2020-2021 using the PubMed electronic database. Data regarding HRV was reviewed to analyze wearable devices such as the WHOOP™ as a measurement of resident stress levels and risk of burnout.
Results: Sleep, exercise, and alcohol consumption are factors that demonstrate stress-associated variation in HRV. Existing neurobiological evidence supports HRV as an objective means to assess physician stress levels. Furthermore, HRV is the metric of choice for WHOOP™ devices for measurement of strain and recovery time as affected by these factors.
Conclusion: HRV is an objective way to quantify stress, which could be used to develop screening tools for resident burnout. The WHOOP™ device provides real time data on sleep, exercise, and alcohol that residents can use to modify behavior thus promoting healthier lifestyles.
| Original language | American English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 257 |
| Journal | Oklahoma State Medical Proceedings |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - 14 May 2025 |