WHOOPTM: Unleashing the Benefits of a Fitness Tracker for Resident Wellness

Authors

  • Rachael Cobbs
  • Jennifer Briggs
  • Derek Srouji
  • Joshua Burton
  • Mousumi Som
  • Kelly Muray
  • Katherine Cook

Abstract

 

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, WHOOPTM, 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 WHOOPTM 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 WHOOPTM 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.

 

 

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1 (2025): Articles

Section

Medical Education

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