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Xu J, Chen Y, Gu L, Liu X, Yang J, Li M, Rao K, Dong X, Yang S, Huang B, Jin L, Wang T, Liu J, Wang S, Bai J. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and its relationship to the autonomic nervous system in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1103621. [PMID: 36936153 PMCID: PMC10020360 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1103621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological stress and its two stress response systems, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS), are closely related to psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED). However, the analyses of perceived stress and stress systems in pED patients need to be more in-depth, especially the interactions between them. METHODS Our study included 75 patients with pEDs and 75 healthy men. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were used for assessing the severity of ED and perceived stress. All participants collected saliva samples on three consecutive days at eight specific times with strict reference to the time of morning awakening for measuring cortisol parameters and wore electrocardiography for 24 h to derive heart rate variability (HRV). RESULTS The PSS-10 scores of pED patients were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001). Although PSS-10 and IIEF-5 scores were negatively correlated in pED patients, there was no statistical significance between them (r=-0.049, p=0.677). Compared with the control group, the HRV parameters of pED patients were significantly increased in LF/HF ratio (p=0.014) but significantly decreased in LF, HF, and pNN50 (p<0.001). However, the two groups had no statistically significant differences in cortisol variables (all p>0.05). The interaction between sympathovagal modulation (HF, rMSSD) and cortisol awakening response (CAR AUCi) explained significantly greater variance in perceived stress than either stress system alone. Higher parasympathetic activity combined with a higher cortisol awakening response was associated with greater perceived stress. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the interrelation between ANS and HPA axis activity might enhance our comprehension of how stress affected the physical and mental health of pED patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhou Xu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yinwei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Longjie Gu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mingchao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ke Rao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiyuan Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Bai,
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Allison P, Tiesman HM, Wong IS, Bernzweig D, James L, James SM, Navarro KM, Patterson PD. Working hours, sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector: A scoping review of the research. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:878-897. [PMID: 35711032 PMCID: PMC9851314 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public safety sector includes law enforcement officers (LEO), corrections officers (CO), firefighter service (FF), wildland firefighting (WFF), and emergency medical services (EMS), as defined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Across these occupations, shiftwork, long-duration shifts, and excessive overtime are common. Our objective was to identify research gaps related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue among these workers. METHODS We used a scoping review study design that included searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Global Health, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, Agricultural and Environmental Science Collection, ProQuest Central, Cochrane Library, Safety Lit, Homeland Security Digital Library, and Sociological Abstracts using a range of occupational search terms and terms related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue. RESULTS Out of 3415 articles returned from our database search, 202 met all inclusion criteria. Six common outcomes related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue emerged: sleep, fatigue, work performance, injury, psychosocial stress, and chronic disease. Nearly two-thirds (59%, n = 120) of the studies were observational, of which 64% (n = 77) were cross sectional and 9% were (n = 11) longitudinal; 14% (n = 30) of the studies were reviews; and 19% (n = 39) were experimental or quasi-experimental studies. Only 25 of the 202 articles described mitigation strategies or interventions. FFs, LEOs, EMS, and WFFs were the most studied, followed by COs. CONCLUSIONS In general, more longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to enrich the knowledge base on the consequences of long working hours, poor sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector. Few experimental studies have tested novel approaches to fatigue mitigation in diverse sectors of public safety. This gap in research limits the decisions that may be made by employers to address fatigue as a threat to public-safety worker health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Allison
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Hope M. Tiesman
- Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Imelda S. Wong
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - David Bernzweig
- Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lois James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Stephen M. James
- Sleep and Performance Research Center, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Navarro
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - P. Daniel Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Lambert TP, Gazi AH, Harrison AB, Gharehbaghi S, Chan M, Obideen M, Alavi P, Murrah N, Shallenberger L, Driggers EG, Alvarado Ortega R, Washington B, Walton KM, Tang YL, Gupta R, Nye JA, Welsh JW, Vaccarino V, Shah AJ, Bremner JD, Inan OT. Leveraging Accelerometry as a Prognostic Indicator for Increase in Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:924. [PMID: 36354433 PMCID: PMC9688173 DOI: 10.3390/bios12110924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Treating opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant healthcare challenge in the United States. Remaining abstinent from opioids is challenging for individuals with OUD due to withdrawal symptoms that include restlessness. However, to our knowledge, studies of acute withdrawal have not quantified restlessness using involuntary movements. We hypothesized that wearable accelerometry placed mid-sternum could be used to detect withdrawal-related restlessness in patients with OUD. To study this, 23 patients with OUD undergoing active withdrawal participated in a protocol involving wearable accelerometry, opioid cues to elicit craving, and non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) to dampen withdrawal symptoms. Using accelerometry signals, we analyzed how movements correlated with changes in acute withdrawal severity, measured by the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS). Our results revealed that patients demonstrating sinusoidal-i.e., predominantly single-frequency oscillation patterns in their motion almost exclusively demonstrated an increase in the COWS, and a strong relationship between the maximum power spectral density and increased withdrawal over time, measured by the COWS (R = 0.92, p = 0.029). Accelerometry may be used in an ambulatory setting to indicate the increased intensity of a patient's withdrawal symptoms, providing an objective, readily-measurable marker that may be captured ubiquitously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara P. Lambert
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Asim H. Gazi
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Anna B. Harrison
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Sevda Gharehbaghi
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Michael Chan
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Malik Obideen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Parvaneh Alavi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Nancy Murrah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Lucy Shallenberger
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Emily G. Driggers
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rebeca Alvarado Ortega
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Brianna Washington
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kevin M. Walton
- Clinical Research Grants Branch, Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20877, USA
| | - Yi-Lang Tang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Rahul Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Jonathon A. Nye
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Justine W. Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Amit J. Shah
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - J. Douglas Bremner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Omer T. Inan
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Feelings from the Heart Part II: Simulation and Validation of Static and Dynamic HRV Decrease-Trigger Algorithms to Detect Stress in Firefighters. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22082925. [PMID: 35458912 PMCID: PMC9029799 DOI: 10.3390/s22082925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Several mobile devices have multiple sensors on board and interact with smartphones. This allows for a complex online evaluation of physiological data, important for interactive psychophysiological assessments, which targets the triggering of psychological states based on physiological data such as heart rate variability (HRV). However, algorithms designed to trigger meaningful physiological processes are rare. One exception is the concept of additional HRV reduction (AddHRVr), which aims to control for metabolic-related changes in cardiac activity. In this study we present an approach, based on data of a previous study, which allows algorithm settings to be derived that could be used to automatically trigger the assessment of psychosocial states by online-analysis of transient HRV changes in a sample of 38 firefighters. Settings of a static and a dynamic AddHRVr algorithm were systematically manipulated and quantified by binary triggers. These triggers were subjected to multilevel models predicting increases of objective stress during a period of 24 h. Effect estimates (i.e., odds) and bootstrap power simulations were calculated to inform about the most robust algorithm settings. This study delivers evidence that a dynamic AddHRVr algorithm can trigger transitions of stress, which should be further validated in future interactive psychophysiological assessments.
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Hodges PW, van den Hoorn W. A vision for the future of wearable sensors in spine care and its challenges: narrative review. JOURNAL OF SPINE SURGERY (HONG KONG) 2022; 8:103-116. [PMID: 35441093 PMCID: PMC8990399 DOI: 10.21037/jss-21-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aimed to: (I) provide a brief overview of some topical areas of current literature regarding applications of wearable sensors in the management of low back pain (LBP); (II) present a vision for a future comprehensive system that integrates wearable sensors to measure multiple parameters in the real world that contributes data to guide treatment selection (aided by artificial intelligence), uses wearables to aid treatment support, adherence and outcome monitoring, and interrogates the response of the individual patient to the prescribed treatment to guide future decision support for other individuals who present with LBP; and (III) consider the challenges that will need to be overcome to make such a system a reality. BACKGROUND Advances in wearable sensor technologies are opening new opportunities for the assessment and management of spinal conditions. Although evidence of improvements in outcomes for individuals with LBP from the use of sensors is limited, there is enormous future potential. METHODS Narrative review and literature synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Substantial research is underway by groups internationally to develop and test elements of this system, to design innovative new sensors that enable recording of new data in new ways, and to fuse data from multiple sources to provide rich information about an individual's experience of LBP. Together this system, incorporating data from wearable sensors has potential to personalise care in ways that were hitherto thought impossible. The potential is high but will require concerted effort to develop and ultimately will need to be feasible and more effective than existing management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Hodges
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wolbert van den Hoorn
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Extreme Situation Experienced by Dental Students of the Medical University of Silesia Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic during the First Lockdown. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111513. [PMID: 34828557 PMCID: PMC8622489 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic declared in many countries in 2020 due to COVID-19 led to the freezing of economies and the introduction of distance learning in both schools and universities. This unusual situation has affected the mental state of citizens, which has the potential to lead to the development of post-traumatic stress and depression. This study aimed to assess the level of stress in dental students in the context of the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. A survey on the PSS-10 scale was prepared to measure the level of perceived stress. The study included 164 dental students at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. The results showed the impact of COVID-19 on the stress of students, with 67.7% reporting high levels of stress. The study also revealed that stress was higher among older female students. This paper recommends that the university provide more intensive psychological care as psychological first aid strategies in epidemics or natural disasters and to consider telemedicine in order to deliver services due to the limitations of the pandemic.
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Applicability of Physiological Monitoring Systems within Occupational Groups: A Systematic Review. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21217249. [PMID: 34770556 PMCID: PMC8587311 DOI: 10.3390/s21217249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of physiological monitoring technologies has produced exceptional opportunities for real-time collection and analysis of workers' physiological information. To benefit from these safety and health prognostic opportunities, research efforts have explored the applicability of these devices to control workers' wellbeing levels during occupational activities. A systematic review is proposed to summarise up-to-date progress in applying physiological monitoring systems for occupational groups. Adhering with the PRISMA Statement, five databases were searched from 2014 to 2021, and 12 keywords were combined, concluding with the selection of 38 articles. Sources of risk of bias were assessed regarding randomisation procedures, selective outcome reporting and generalisability of results. Assessment procedures involving non-invasive methods applied with health and safety-related goals were filtered. Working-age participants from homogeneous occupational groups were selected, with these groups primarily including firefighters and construction workers. Research objectives were mainly directed to assess heat stress and physiological workload demands. Heart rate related variables, thermal responses and motion tracking through accelerometry were the most common approaches. Overall, wearable sensors proved to be valid tools for assessing physiological status in working environments. Future research should focus on conducting sensor fusion assessments, engaging wearables in real-time evaluation methods and giving continuous feedback to workers and practitioners.
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Chen N, Zhao M, Gao K, Zhao J. Experimental Study on the Evaluation and Influencing Factors on Individual's Emergency Escape Capability in Subway Fire. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910203. [PMID: 34639504 PMCID: PMC8508343 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Studying an individual’s emergency escape capability and its influencing factors is of great practical significance for evacuation and escape in subway emergencies. Taking Zhengzhou Zijing Mountain Subway station as the prototype, and using VR technology, a virtual subway fire escape scene was built. Combined with the total escape time, the total contact time with fire, and the total contact time with smoke, it proposed a calculation formula on emergency escape capability. A total of 34 participants with equal gender distribution were recruited to carry out the virtual subway fire escape experiment, and participants’ physiological data (heart rate variability, skin conductance) were real-time recorded by ErgoLAB V3.0 throughout the whole experiment. The emergency escape capability of each participant was evaluated quantitatively, and the related influencing factors were analyzed. The results show that for the age ranges (19–22 years old) in the experiment, the emergency escape capability of women is significantly lower than that of men (p < 0.05); although there is no significance in emergency escape capability in DISC personality types (p > 0.05), the mean emergency escape capability of people with influence personality type is the worst, and that of people with compliance type is the best; during virtual fire escape vs. baseline, Mean_SC and Mean_HR both increased very significantly (all p < 0.01), and participants were under stress during their virtual fire escape. There is a significant negative correlation between emergency escape capability and LF_increase_rate (p < 0.05), and a remarkably significant negative correlation between emergency escape capability and LF/HF_increase_rate (p < 0.01); the greater the increase rate of LF or LF/HF, the smaller the emergency escape capability, with excessive stress probably not being conducive to emergency escape. There is a very significant negative correlation between an individual’s emergency escape capability and the degree of familiarity with the Zijing Mountain subway station (p < 0.01). The findings provide references and suggestions on the emergency management and emergency evacuation for government and subway departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-137-0086-4930
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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] [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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The Relationship between Stress Levels Measured by a Questionnaire and the Data Obtained by Smart Glasses and Finger Pulse Oximeters among Polish Dental Students. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11188648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional response to a change and is a significant problem in modern society. In addition to questionnaires, levels of stress may be assessed by monitoring physiological signals, such as via photoplethysmogram (PPG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrodermal activity (EDA), facial expressions, and head and body movements. In our study, we attempted to find the relationship between the perceived stress level and physiological signals, such as heart rate (HR), head movements, and electrooculographic (EOG) signals. The perceived stress level was acquired by self-assessment questionnaires in which the participants marked their stress level before, during, and after performing a task. The heart rate was acquired with a finger pulse oximeter and the head movements (linear acceleration and angular velocity) and electrooculographic signals were recorded with JINS MEME ES_R smart glasses (JINS Holdings, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). We observed significant differences between the perceived stress level, heart rate, the power of linear acceleration, angular velocity, and EOG signals before performing the task and during the task. However, except for HR, these signals were poorly correlated with the perceived stress level acquired during the task.
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Preventing and Monitoring Work-Related Diseases in Firefighters: A Literature Review on Sensor-Based Systems and Future Perspectives in Robotic Devices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189723. [PMID: 34574646 PMCID: PMC8469039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the necessity to prevent work-related diseases has led to the use of sensor-based systems to measure important features during working activities. This topic achieved great popularity especially in hazardous and demanding activities such as those required of firefighters. Among feasible sensor systems, wearable sensors revealed their advantages in terms of possibility to conduct measures in real conditions and without influencing the movements of workers. In addition, the advent of robotics can be also exploited in order to reduce work-related disorders. The present literature review aims at providing an overview of sensor-based systems used to monitor physiological and physical parameters in firefighters during real activities, as well as to offer ideas for understanding the potentialities of exoskeletons and assistive devices.
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Evaluation of Functionality of Warning System in Smart Protective Clothing for Firefighters. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21051767. [PMID: 33806399 PMCID: PMC7962023 DOI: 10.3390/s21051767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent achievements in the field of miniaturization of electronics have led to a significant interest in its application into the protective clothing for firefighters in order to improve their safety and health. However, up to now there are not any requirements and standardized test methods enabling confirmation of safety of use and functionality of these systems in work environment. In the paper, an importance of evaluation of such smart wearable system in predicted utility conditions is highlighted. Three variants of the specially developed personal warning systems (PWSs) for integration with either health status or environmental sensors to be used in smart protective clothing for firefighters are presented, i.e., with LCD display, LED diodes and vibrating element. For the purpose of evaluation a new testing methodology was developed. The PWSs were evaluated on a basis of perception of warning signals by firefighters in simulated utility conditions including temperature, light, noise, fog and performed activities. In the case of marching, even 75% of signals generated by PWS with LCD display were not received. Physical activity did not influence on functionality of PWS with vibrating element. For the PWS with LED diodes, the signal was received statistically significantly quicker than in the case of other PWS and the mean value of voice response time was below 3 s.
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Krueger CA. CORR Insights®: How Do Areas of Work Life Drive Burnout in Orthopaedic Attending Surgeons, Fellows, and Residents? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2021; 479:263-265. [PMID: 32925243 PMCID: PMC7899607 DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000001487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chad Arthur Krueger
- C. A. Krueger, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Philadelphia, PA
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Gait Analysis under Spatial Navigation Task in Elderly People-A Pilot Study. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21010270. [PMID: 33401584 PMCID: PMC7796419 DOI: 10.3390/s21010270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A decline in the Spatial Navigation (SN) abilities has been observed in the course of healthy aging. Walking is an inseparable part of the navigation process; however, research tasks overlook this aspect in studies involving seniors. The present study was designed to overcome this limitation by recording gait parameters during natural environment navigation and to determine gait indicators that most accurately assign the participants to the proper age category. Thirteen elderly (mean age = 69.1 ± 5.4 year) and sixteen young women (mean age = 21.5 ± 2.2 year) equipped with gait sensors were asked to learn a path while walking in a real building (Learning Phase), reproduce the path (Memory Phase) and reach targets after a 30 min delay (Delayed Phase). The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis showed that our self-developed Gait Style Change indicator, that is, the difference in the probability of feet landing between particular SN task phases, classified the participants into either the elderly or the young group with the highest accuracy (0.91). The second most important indicator, the Task-Related (step counts in each SN task phase), achieved the accuracy discrimination of 0.83. The gait indicators, comprising single gait parameters measured while navigating, might be considered as accurately differentiating older from younger people.
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Practical Judgment of Workload Based on Physical Activity, Work Conditions, and Worker's Age in Construction Site. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133786. [PMID: 32640611 PMCID: PMC7374462 DOI: 10.3390/s20133786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
It is important for construction companies to sustain a productive workforce without sacrificing its health and safety. This study aims to develop a practical judgement method to estimate the workload risk of individual construction workers. Based on studies, we developed a workload model comprising a hygrothermal environment, behavioral information, and the physical characteristics of workers). The construction workers’ heart rate and physical activity were measured using the data collected from a wearable device equipped with a biosensor and an acceleration sensor. This study is the first report to use worker physical activity, age, and the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) to determine a worker’s physical workload. The accuracy of this health risk judgment result was 89.2%, indicating that it is possible to easily judge the health risk of workers even in an environment where it is difficult to measure the subject in advance. The proposed model and its findings can aid in monitoring the health impacts of working conditions during construction activities, and thereby contribute toward determining workers’ health damage. However, the sampled construction workers are 12 workers, further studies in other working conditions are required to accumulate more evidence and assure the accuracy of the models.
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