A study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on macroscopic body movements as a marker for acute stress

Experiencing stress is a normative part of human life. Due to its major impact on health and longevity, effort has been put into understanding underlying determinants and consequences. For stress measurement, a vast number of different methods, including physiological, subjective, and behavioral assessments, can be used. Previous measurement methods have already provided valuable insights into the role of the stress systems. However, their application has some drawbacks, highlighting the need for more convenient, less expensive, less intrusive, and continuous methods. A promising alternative could be the assessment of macroscopic body movements, which we define as body movements that are actively, consciously, or unconsciously, initiated by the muscular system.

The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, and PRISMA-P guidelines were followed. We will screen MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar for suitable studies in German or English with no restrictions towards the publication date. To do so, an a priori defined search strategy will be employed. Furthermore, we will carry out backward and forward citation searches. Inclusion criteria comprise studies examining macroscopic body movements in response to stress or related psychological constructs induced by standardized protocols. Exclusion criteria include studies on non-human populations as well as studies that do not report on a control group/condition nor pre-/post-comparisons nor traditional stress markers. The search, selection, and data extraction processes will be performed by two reviewers independently, while a third reviewer will be consulted in case of discrepancy. We will assess Risk of Bias using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool or ROBINS-I, as appropriate. We will conduct random-effects meta-analyses where feasible. The quality of evidence will be evaluated using the GRADE approach. Furthermore, results will undergo critical examination towards meta-biases.

Due to the growing number of studies assessing macroscopic movements in the context of stress, the field is becoming complex, highlighting the need for a summary of current findings. Thus, here we outline a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on macroscopic movements as a potential novel marker for stress.

PROSPERO CRD42024539659.