Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
Enhancing Physiological Complexity Through Mindfulness: A Wearable-Based Intervention for First Responders and Their
Thurmon E Lockhart1, Rahul Soangra2,3, Christopher Frames1
1School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
A wearable mindfulness intervention improved heart rate variability (HRV) complexity in first responders, enhancing their stress regulation and adaptive capacity. This digital approach shows promise for managing stress in high-risk occupations.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- First responders face high-stress environments impacting physiological resilience and autonomic regulation.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) complexity is a key indicator of adaptive capacity and stress management.
- Wearable technology offers a novel approach to monitor and intervene in autonomic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of a wearable-based mindfulness intervention on HRV complexity in first responders.
- To assess changes in physiological markers of stress and adaptation using smartwatch data.
- To determine the efficacy of digital mindfulness tools for first responder well-being.
Main Methods:
- 87 first responders participated in a one-month study using Garmin Vivosmart 5 devices for continuous photoplethysmogram (PPG) data collection.
- Participants engaged in daily Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMAs) and were randomized to mindfulness messages, audio exercises, or a control group via the MYAPT.MIND app.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) metrics, including Sample Entropy, Multiscale Entropy (MSE), Recurrence Rate (RR), and Determinism (Det), were analyzed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in HRV complexity were observed post-intervention, with increased Sample Entropy (p = 0.007) and Multiscale Entropy (p = 0.038).
- Reductions in Recurrence Rate (p = 0.025) and Determinism (p = 0.018) indicated enhanced cardiovascular adaptability and reduced physiological rigidity.
- Traditional HRV metrics like Mean HR, SDNN, and RMSSD did not show significant changes, highlighting the sensitivity of complexity measures.
Conclusions:
- Wearable-based mindfulness interventions effectively enhance HRV complexity, signifying improved autonomic regulation and adaptive capacity in first responders.
- Digital mindfulness strategies are a viable tool for stress management in demanding occupations.
- Further research is warranted to explore long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of these autonomic adaptations.
More Related Videos
12:22Mindfulness in Motion (MIM): An Onsite Mindfulness Based Intervention (MBI) for Chronically High Stress Work Environments to Increase Resiliency and Work Engagement
Published on: July 1, 2015
06:58An Application for Pairing with Wearable Devices to Monitor Personal Health Status
Published on: February 3, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the risk...
01:24Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain that...