Assessing stress levels in medical students during exams

The ECOSTRESS Study: Influence of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination on Stress Among Medical Student

University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT06138457

This study tests how stressed medical students feel during different types of exams by measuring their heart rate changes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand (other)
Locations2 sites (Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06138457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the stress levels of medical students using heart rate variability measurements during different types of examinations, including a standardized objective clinical examination (OSCE) and a classic table examination. The study involves three measurement points: during the OSCE, during a traditional exam, and on a control day without exams. The aim is to objectively quantify the stress experienced by students in these high-pressure situations, providing valuable data on their physiological responses. This research is particularly relevant as it addresses a common concern among medical students regarding exam-related stress.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are medical students enrolled at the Medical School of Clermont-Ferrand who consent to participate.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include medical students who choose not to participate or those from other institutions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into stress management for medical students, potentially leading to improved educational practices and student well-being.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific use of heart rate variability in this context, similar studies have successfully measured stress in educational settings using physiological markers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All medical student that agree to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

* All medical student that disagree to participate

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Heart Rate Variability, Stress, Medical Student, stress, exam, medical student, heart rate variability

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.