Using a gentle wearable to reduce stress and burnout in physicians
Impact of Heart Rate Variability Modulation on Stress and Recovery Among Physicians
This will test whether wearing the Apollo device's gentle vibrations can reduce burnout and improve stress recovery for physicians.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05731856 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study uses a Tuned Vibroacoustic Stimulation device (the Apollo wearable) that produces low-volume sound waves felt as a soothing touch to the skin to modulate heart rate variability (HRV). Physicians at the University of Pittsburgh (UPMC attendings and residents) will wear the Apollo device during work and recovery periods and complete questionnaires before and after use. The protocol compares self-reported stress and recovery measures alongside HRV modulation produced by the device. The goal is to determine whether small HRV changes translate into reduced burnout and faster stress recovery in and around the hospital.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are UPMC attending physicians or residents who have an iOS or Android phone, do not already own an Apollo device, and are willing to wear the device and complete questionnaires.
Not a fit: Physicians who already own an Apollo device or who are unwilling or unable to wear the device or complete study procedures would not gain benefit from participation in this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the wearable could offer a non-drug way to lower burnout symptoms and speed recovery from stress for physicians.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical studies at the University of Pittsburgh have shown the Apollo device can improve heart rate variability and recovery under stress, so this applies that approach to physician burnout.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * UPMC attending physicians and residents. The participants must have either IOS or Android phones. Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness or inability to participate in the study * Currently own an Apollo device
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle Thompson, DO — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Franchesca Inay, BS
- Email: inay.franchesca@medstudent.pitt.edu
- Phone: 5512234990
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.