summer-2024 - 27

In doing so, the project outlines the following
purpose:
* Provide a platform to assist participating
firefighters in observing data to help regulate
their off-shift physical activity.
* Provide a means for participating firefighters to
understand the impact that sleep, nutrition, job
tasks/workload, and physical activity have on
the body.
* Provide a line of communication for personnel
to engage in conversation with collaborating
parties regarding fitness and nutrition.
* Provide insight on the impact that
specific shift work has on the recovery of
participating firefighters.
* Assess the difference in recovery rates/patterns
when comparing various shift schedules
associated with public safety
WHAT INSTRUMENT OR DEVICE IS BEING
USED TO MONITOR PERSONNEL?
Participants in this study utilized WHOOP®
All entities, when investigating potential issues or
concerns, are recommended to follow this method -
observation, intervention, and integration.
WHAT IS HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV)?
Heart rate variability, known as HRV, is the
measured interval between heartbeats utilized
as a marker of the capacity to regulate internal
and external demands (Young, & Benton, 2018).
A higher HRV is associated with better health
(Young, & Benton, 2018), while a lower HRV has
been associated with many negative health effects
(shown below). The measured interval between
beats is not always constant (Young, & Benton,
2018), therefore monitoring protocol should allow
for a duration of time to develop a baseline for
participants. Utilizing devices that monitor HRV is
a noninvasive way of evaluating autonomic cardiac
function (Harris, et al., 2014). n
straps,
which are wrist-worn devices that monitor health
metrics, such as sleep patterns, heart rate/resting
heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin
temperature. The vital metrics we focused on were
observing both HRV and daily (accumulated) strain.
3-Tier System to Research Development
* The tactical research team always approach
questions and projects as follows:
* Observe what is currently going on.
(Observation) If you can measure it, you can
manage it.
* Implement a change or two. (Intervention) Start
with one change, and monitor its effects. Then
adjust as needed. Find the best fit/practice for
the desired outcome.
* Integrate key professionals into roles that
will support the longevity of the wellness
initiative. (Integration)
In a clinical setting, low HRV is associated with
mortality in patients with:
* coronary artery disease
* chronic heart failure
* history of myocardial infarction
Low HRV associated with:
* hypertension
* end-stage renal disease
* diabetes
*(de Geus, et al., 2019)
Reduction of HRV is also associated with the
following:
* diabetes
* cardiovascular disease
* inflammation
* obesity
* psychiatric disorders
*(Young, & Benton, 2018)
tacticaltrainingandconditioning.com | 27
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summer-2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of summer-2024
