Examining the effects of wearable technology and biometric coaching on heart rate variability, health related quality of life, and predictors of heart rate variability in collegiate athletes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of a wearable plus personalized biometric-based coaching on heart rate variability (HRV) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Participants: Student athletes on NCAA Division I Eastern Washington University football team. Methods: A mixed study design including randomization of participants into a wearable without coaching group (WO) and a wearable with coaching group (WC). HRV data were recorded via WHOOP® strap for 14 weeks. WC group received personalized coaching based on HRV data via smart phone application. Student athletes completed a HRQoL survey at start and end of study. Results: A significant effect of time was present for both HRV and HRQoL. A slightly larger increase was seen in both variables for the WC group; however, group means were not significantly different. Conclusions: Access to biometric data alone may imbue an increase in HRV and HRQoL. Such increases may be compounded by a reduction in both training and academic stressors during the summer term off-season. Objective: To determine if sleep metrics and group assignment between wearable plus coaching (WC) and wearable without coaching (WO) are predictive of HRV in NCAA DI football players. Participants: Collegiate student athletes on NCAA Division I football team. Methods: Participants were randomized into WC and WO groups. HRV and restorative sleep stages were recorded via WHOOP® 4.0 strap for 14 weeks. The percentage of sleep duration dubbed restorative sleep (%RESTOR) was calculated. Linear forced entry regression analysis was performed to determine the association between %RESTOR, group assignment, and HRV. Results: %RESTOR and group assignment accounted for 59.3% of the variance seen in HRV. A significant, negative association between %RESTOR and HRV was present. Group assignment was not associated with HRV. Conclusions: Lower %RESTOR was indicative of higher HRV. Less time spent in restorative sleep may indicate less stress and less need for recovery