Efficacy of Individualized Sensory-Based mHealth Interventions to Improve Distress Coping in Healthcare Professionals: A Multi-Arm Parallel-Group Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Detrimental effects of chronic stress on healthcare professionals have been well-established, but the implementation and evaluation of effective interventions aimed at improving distress coping remains inadequate. Individualized mHealth interventions incorporating sensor feedback have been proposed as a promising approach. This study aimed to investigate the impact of individualized, sensor-based mHealth interventions focusing on stress and physical activity on distress coping in healthcare professionals. The study utilized a multi-arm, parallel group randomized controlled trial design, comparing five intervention groups (three variations of web-based training and two variations of an app training) that represented varying levels of individualization to a control group. Both self-reported questionnaire data (collected using Limesurvey) as well as electrocardiography and accelerometry-based sensory data (collected using Mesana Sensor) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention (after eight weeks). Of the 995 eligible participants, 170 (26%) completed the post-intervention measurement (Group 1: N = 21; Group 2: N = 23; Group 3: N = 7; Group 4: N = 34; Group 5: N = 16; Control Group: N = 69). MANOVA results indicated small to moderate time-by-group interaction effects for physical activity-related outcomes, including moderate to vigorous physical activity (F(1,5) = 5.8, p = ≤0.001, η2p = 0.057) and inactivity disruption (F(1,5) = 11.2, p = <0.001, η2p = 0.100), in the app-based intervention groups, but not for step counts and inactivity. No changes were observed in stress-related heart rate variability parameters over time. Despite a high dropout rate and a complex study design, the individualized interventions showed initial positive effects on physical activity. However, no significant changes in stress-related outcomes were observed, suggesting that the intervention duration was insufficient to induce physiological adaptations that would result in improved distress coping.

A Synthesized Model for Applying Stress Management and Biofeedback Interventions in Research Utilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Studies have demonstrated that biofeedback training alone targeting heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system activity, can lead to decreased stress levels and increased resilience to stressors [ 85 - 87 ]. Biofeedback interventions combined with diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation have also been used to alleviate stress [ 88 ]. 2) Anxiety disorders involve excessive and persistent worry, fear, and unease.…”

“…For instance, biofeedback training alone targeting skin conductance, a measure of sympathetic nervous system arousal, has been shown to reduce anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder [ 82 ]. Additionally, biofeedback techniques, such as heart rate variability biofeedback and electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback, have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of anxiety [ 55 , 88 ]. 3) Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and impaired functioning.…”

労働者のメンタルヘルスを改善するための身体活動促進 : 深層学習を用いたモバイルヘルス介入

“…The evidence for mHealth interventions being effective on physical activity is inconsistent [11], and these strategies do not consistently act as preventive measures against symptoms related to depression, anxiety, or stress-related indicators [12]. In the working population, we may have to consider the difference in the effectiveness of area-specific activities: occupational and transport activities are less positively associated with mental health than leisure-time activities pursued during free time [13].…”

Beitrag zum Tagungsband: Resilienz-Interventionen und ihre Anwendung im Bereich Verbraucherschutz

“…Abbildung 4 illus triert ein solches Design exemplarisch. (Chén & Roberts, 2021;Smith et al, 2018), wobei empirische Studien bislang heterogene Befunde hinsichtlich des zusätzlichen Nutzens individualisierter Interventionen lie fern (Baumann et al, 2023).…”