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Schoffl J, Arora M, Pozzato I, McBain C, Rodrigues D, Vafa E, Middleton J, Davis GM, Gustin SM, Bourke J, Kifley A, Krassioukov AV, Cameron ID, Craig A. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Adults with a Spinal Cord Injury: A Laboratory Framework and Case Series. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7664. [PMID: 38137732 PMCID: PMC10743967 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-F) is a neurocardiac self-regulation therapy that aims to regulate cardiac autonomic nervous system activity and improve cardiac balance. Despite benefits in various clinical populations, no study has reported the effects of HRV-F in adults with a spinal cord injury (SCI). This article provides an overview of a neuropsychophysiological laboratory framework and reports the impact of an HRV-F training program on two adults with chronic SCI (T1 AIS A and T3 AIS C) with different degrees of remaining cardiac autonomic function. The HRV-F intervention involved 10 weeks of face-to-face and telehealth sessions with daily HRV-F home practice. Physiological (HRV, blood pressure variability (BPV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS)), and self-reported assessments (Fatigue Severity Scale, Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Appraisal of Disability and Participation Scale, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale) were conducted at baseline and 10 weeks. Participants also completed weekly diaries capturing mood, anxiety, pain, sleep quality, fatigue, and adverse events. Results showed some improvement in HRV, BPV, and BRS. Additionally, participants self-reported some improvements in mood, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and self-perception. A 10-week HRV-F intervention was feasible in two participants with chronic SCI, warranting further investigation into its autonomic and psychosocial effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Schoffl
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Mohit Arora
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Ilaria Pozzato
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Candice McBain
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Dianah Rodrigues
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Elham Vafa
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - James Middleton
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Glen M. Davis
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia;
| | - Sylvia Maria Gustin
- NeuroRecovery Research Hub, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
- The Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - John Bourke
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Annette Kifley
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Andrei V. Krassioukov
- ICORD, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada;
| | - Ian D. Cameron
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Ashley Craig
- John Walsh Centre Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia; (M.A.); (I.P.); (C.M.); (D.R.); (E.V.); (J.M.); (J.B.); (A.K.); (I.D.C.); (A.C.)
- The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
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Ho YWB, Bressington D, Tsang MY, Pang HH, Li Y, Wong WK. Can heart rate variability be a bio-index of hope? A pilot study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1119925. [PMID: 37025354 PMCID: PMC10070701 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1119925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hope can affect the thinking habits, emotional regulations, and behaviors of individuals. Hope is considered as a positive trait by clinicians, who often assess the level of hope in psychological evaluations. Previous measurements of hope were largely based on self-reported questionnaires leading to the problem of subjectivity. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a bio index that is an objective, quick, cost effective, and non-invasive measurement. HRV has been used in the evaluation of physical health and some psychiatric conditions. However, it has not been tested for its potential to be a bio-index of the level of hope. Method This pilot cross-sectional observational study aimed to examine the relationships between HRV and the level of hope among adult Chinese people in Hong Kong. Convenience sampling was used and 97 healthy participants were recruited. Their level of hope was measured by the Dispositional Hope Scale-Chinese (DHS-C), and their HRV was quantified by emWave Pro Plus, a reliable sensor of HRV. Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the HRV measurements and DHS-C. Results The DHS-C's overall mean score was 45.49. The mean scores of the subscale DHS-C (Agency) was 22.46, and the mean scores of DHS-C (Pathway) was 23.03. It was also revealed that there were significant, weak, and negative correlations between the level of hope and four out of ten HRV metrics. One HRV metric was found to have a significant, weak, and positive correlation with the level of hope. Conclusion This study provided initial evidence to support the use of HRV as a bio-index of hope. Implications of the current study and recommendations for future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wai Bryan Ho
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daniel Bressington
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Mei Yi Tsang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hok Hoi Pang
- Hong Kong Psychological Services Center Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Kit Wong
- School of Nursing, Tung Wah College, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Six Dijkstra MW, Soer R, Bieleman HJ, Gross DP, Reneman MF. Predictive value of Heart Rate Variability measurements and the Brief Resilience Scale for workability and vitality. Work 2023; 76:1007-1017. [PMID: 37154192 PMCID: PMC10657665 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sustainable employability is increasingly important with current socio-economic challenges. Screening for resilience could contribute to early detection of either a risk, or a protector for sustainable employability, the latter being operationalized as workability and vitality. OBJECTIVE To study the predictive value of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurements and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) for worker self-reported workability and vitality after 2-4 years. METHODS Prospective observational cohort study with mean follow-up period of 38 months. 1,624 workers (18-65 years old) in moderate and large companies participated. Resilience was measured by HRV (one-minute paced deep breathing protocol) and the BRS at baseline. Workability Index (WAI), and the Vitality dimension of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 (UWES-9-vitality) were the outcome measures. Backward stepwise multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05) was performed to evaluate the predictive value of resilience for workability and vitality, adjusted for body mass index, age and gender. RESULTS N = 428 workers met inclusion criteria after follow-up. The contribution of resilience, measured with the BRS, was modest but statistically significant for the prediction of vitality (R2 = 7.3%) and workability (R2 = 9.2%). HRV did not contribute to prediction of workability or vitality. Age was the only significant covariate in the WAI model. CONCLUSION Self-reported resilience modestly predicted workability and vitality after 2-4 years. Self-reported resilience may provide early insight into the ability of workers to stay at work, although caution must be applied because explained variance was modest. HRV was not predictive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne W.M.C. Six Dijkstra
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Remko Soer
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik J. Bieleman
- Research Group Smart Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Douglas P. Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michiel F. Reneman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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McCraty R. Following the Rhythm of the Heart: HeartMath Institute's Path to HRV Biofeedback. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2022; 47:305-316. [PMID: 35731454 PMCID: PMC9214473 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-022-09554-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This paper outlines the early history and contributions our laboratory, along with our close advisors and collaborators, has made to the field of heart rate variability and heart rate variability coherence biofeedback. In addition to the many health and wellness benefits of HRV feedback for facilitating skill acquisition of self-regulation techniques for stress reduction and performance enhancement, its applications for increasing social coherence and physiological synchronization among groups is also discussed. Future research directions and applications are also suggested.
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Tripska K, Draessler J, Pokladnikova J. Heart rate variability, perceived stress and willingness to seek counselling in undergraduate students. J Psychosom Res 2022; 160:110972. [PMID: 35728339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim was to determine the level of stress in Czech pharmacy students using both subjective and physiological markers of stress throughout their study. The secondary aim was to investigate association of stress with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and to determine the predictors of the likelihood of enrolling in psychotherapy counselling. METHODS Design: A prospective observational study. SETTING Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. SUBJECTS 175 s-year pharmacy students in 2016, 149 students in 2017, and 51 students in 2018. OUTCOME MEASURES Perceived stress scale (PSS-10), heart rate variability (HRV, emWavePro), a self-administered survey (sociodemographic and clinical data, likelihood of enrolling in psychotherapy counselling). RESULTS The average PSS score was 18.3 ± 6.7. There were no significant changes in PSS-10 and HRV parameters between 2016 and 2018. There was a significant negative correlation between PSS-10 and LF power (p = 0.012). Female gender and poor health status were more frequently observed among the respondents with impaired HRV (p = 0.026 for female gender and p = 0.025 and p = 0.042 for poor health status). Fifty-nine percent of students would be likely to enroll in psychotherapy counselling, with men being significantly less inclined to participate compared to women (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Czech pharmacy students experience moderate levels of stress throughout their studies, which correlates with physiological markers of stress as well as their overall health. Push and pull factors of using mind-body interventions to manage stress should be further examined, especially in high risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Tripska
- The Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Draessler
- The Department of Informatics and Quantitative Methods, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pokladnikova
- The Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Czech Republic.
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Soer R, Six Dijkstra MWMC, Bieleman HJ, Oosterveld FGJ, Rijken NHM. Influence of respiration frequency on heart rate variability parameters: A randomized cross-sectional study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2021; 34:1063-1068. [PMID: 34024811 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-200190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients visiting physiotherapists for musculoskeletal disorders face psychosocial challenges which may form a large barrier to recover. There are only a limited number of evidence based psychosocial therapies, but they are mainly based on breathing exercises. OBJECTIVE to study which respiration frequency would lead to the highest relaxation, reflected in vagal tone derived from the heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy subjects. METHODS A randomized controlled cross sectional study was performed. Respiration cycles of four, five, six, seven and eight breaths per minute (BPM) were delivered in randomized order for two minutes each. HRV metrics were measured during the sessions with electrocardiogram (ECG). Repeated Measures ANOVA's were performed to analyze differences between breathing frequencies. RESULTS 100 healthy volunteers were included (40 male). Standard Deviation of inter beat intervals (SDNN) values were significantly highest at 5 BPM, whereas the Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) values appeared highest at 7 breaths per minute (p< 0.01). High Frequency (HF) power was lowest at 4 BPM, whereas Low Frequency (LF) power was not significantly influenced by respiration frequency. CONCLUSIONS Breathing at a frequency of 5 to 7 breaths per minute leads to highest HRV values, but there is no single respiration ratio that maximizes all metrics. Physiotherapists may use five to seven BPM as guidance to determine ideal breathing frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remko Soer
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Physical Activity, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Groningen Pain Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hendrik J Bieleman
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Physical Activity, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Frits G J Oosterveld
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Physical Activity, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Noortje H M Rijken
- Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Physical Activity, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Hargons C, Malone NJ, Montique CS, Dogan J, Stuck J, Meiller C, Sullivan QA, Sanchez A, Bohmer C, Curvey RMG, Tyler KM, Stevens-Watkins D. Race-Based Stress Reactions and Recovery: Pilot Testing a Racial Trauma Meditation. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/00957984211034281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-six Black collegians were exposed to a vicarious racial harassment stimulus (VRHS) then randomized into a Black Lives Matter Meditation for Healing Racial Trauma condition or a silence control condition. Heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the experiment. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to elicit participants’ appraisal of the VRHS and meditation. Using a Qual:Quan mixed methods experimental design, this pilot study qualitatively categorized how participants (1) described their reactions to the VRHS and (2) appraised the meditation. Participants described three types of race-based stress reactions and reported mostly positive appraisal of the meditation, although some indicated that it would not be a preferred coping strategy. To triangulate the quantitative findings, we found a significant increase in HR during VRHS. The meditation group displayed statistically significant reductions in HR from stimulus to the end of meditation; however, there were no statistically significant differences between the control and meditation groups. Results have implications for understanding and facilitating race-based stress recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Hargons
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Natalie J. Malone
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Chesmore S. Montique
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jardin Dogan
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer Stuck
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carolyn Meiller
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Queen-Ayanna Sullivan
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Anyoliny Sanchez
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carrie Bohmer
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Rena M. G. Curvey
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth M. Tyler
- Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Six Dijkstra MWMC, Siebrand E, Dorrestijn S, Salomons EL, Reneman MF, Oosterveld FGJ, Soer R, Gross DP, Bieleman HJ. Ethical Considerations of Using Machine Learning for Decision Support in Occupational Health: An Example Involving Periodic Workers' Health Assessments. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2020; 30:343-353. [PMID: 32500471 PMCID: PMC7406529 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09895-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Computer algorithms and Machine Learning (ML) will be integrated into clinical decision support within occupational health care. This will change the interaction between health care professionals and their clients, with unknown consequences. The aim of this study was to explore ethical considerations and potential consequences of using ML based decision support tools (DSTs) in the context of occupational health. Methods We conducted an ethical deliberation. This was supported by a narrative literature review of publications about ML and DSTs in occupational health and by an assessment of the potential impact of ML-DSTs according to frameworks from medical ethics and philosophy of technology. We introduce a hypothetical clinical scenario from a workers' health assessment to reflect on biomedical ethical principles: respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. Results Respect for autonomy is affected by uncertainty about what future consequences the worker is consenting to as a result of the fluctuating nature of ML-DSTs and validity evidence used to inform the worker. A beneficent advisory process is influenced because the three elements of evidence based practice are affected through use of a ML-DST. The principle of non-maleficence is challenged by the balance between group-level benefits and individual harm, the vulnerability of the worker in the occupational context, and the possibility of function creep. Justice might be empowered when the ML-DST is valid, but profiling and discrimination are potential risks. Conclusions Implications of ethical considerations have been described for the socially responsible design of ML-DSTs. Three recommendations were provided to minimize undesirable adverse effects of the development and implementation of ML-DSTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne W M C Six Dijkstra
- School of Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences/AGZ, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7500 KB, Enschede, The Netherlands.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Egbert Siebrand
- Research Group Ethics & Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Dorrestijn
- Research Group Ethics & Technology, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Etto L Salomons
- School of Ambient Intelligence, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel F Reneman
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frits G J Oosterveld
- School of Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences/AGZ, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7500 KB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Remko Soer
- School of Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences/AGZ, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7500 KB, Enschede, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen, Pain Centre, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hendrik J Bieleman
- School of Health, Saxion University of Applied Sciences/AGZ, M.H. Tromplaan 28, 7500 KB, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Bent B, Goldstein BA, Kibbe WA, Dunn JP. Investigating sources of inaccuracy in wearable optical heart rate sensors. NPJ Digit Med 2020; 3:18. [PMID: 32047863 PMCID: PMC7010823 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-020-0226-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As wearable technologies are being increasingly used for clinical research and healthcare, it is critical to understand their accuracy and determine how measurement errors may affect research conclusions and impact healthcare decision-making. Accuracy of wearable technologies has been a hotly debated topic in both the research and popular science literature. Currently, wearable technology companies are responsible for assessing and reporting the accuracy of their products, but little information about the evaluation method is made publicly available. Heart rate measurements from wearables are derived from photoplethysmography (PPG), an optical method for measuring changes in blood volume under the skin. Potential inaccuracies in PPG stem from three major areas, includes (1) diverse skin types, (2) motion artifacts, and (3) signal crossover. To date, no study has systematically explored the accuracy of wearables across the full range of skin tones. Here, we explored heart rate and PPG data from consumer- and research-grade wearables under multiple circumstances to test whether and to what extent these inaccuracies exist. We saw no statistically significant difference in accuracy across skin tones, but we saw significant differences between devices, and between activity types, notably, that absolute error during activity was, on average, 30% higher than during rest. Our conclusions indicate that different wearables are all reasonably accurate at resting and prolonged elevated heart rate, but that differences exist between devices in responding to changes in activity. This has implications for researchers, clinicians, and consumers in drawing study conclusions, combining study results, and making health-related decisions using these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brinnae Bent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | | | - Warren A. Kibbe
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | - Jessilyn P. Dunn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
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