The Effects of Stress & Irregular Shift Hours on First Responders

NCT05659277 | Unknown

• 1 other identifier: 10433
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 500
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

First Responders are expected to maintain high-performance levels under extreme conditions. However, constant intense workplace stress, physical work demands, and irregular shift hours are taking a severe toll on frontline workers. These demands often lead to physical and mental health problems, poor job performance, and lifestyle issues. Without better support and resources, these demands will continue to cause first responders to be trapped in a vicious cycle that typically includes occupational trauma, stress, and maladaptive coping skills. The purpose of this research is to:

1. 1.Better understand the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts workplace stress and irregular shift hours have on first responders
2. 2.Better understand the most prominent challenges first responders face when trying to manage their own physical and mental health.

Conditions

Workplace Stress; Mental Health; HRV; EEG; PTSD

Keywords

First Responder; Shift Work; PHQ9; GAD7

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• aMCI (Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment) via Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  Using an advanced wireless EEG device, PPG is measured using the following frequency bands for the prediction of aMCI: Absolute power of delta(1-4Hz), alpha1(8-10Hz), beta2(15-20Hz), beta3(20-30Hz), gamma(30-45Hz) and relative power-delta (1-4Hz), theta (4-8Hz), alpha1 (8-10Hz), alpha2 (10-12Hz), beta1 (10-15Hz), beta2(15-20Hz) and gamma(30-45Hz). Specially trained machine learning algorithms can process quantitative EEG to identify subtle evidence of aMCI, thus enabling early interventions that have the greatest potential for delaying or preventing the progression of aMCI to Alzheimer's disease. Individual results will be provided.

  up to 3 months

• Brain Functionality via Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  PPG is measured using the following frequency bands for the prediction of brain functionality: Absolute power of delta(1-4Hz), alpha1(8-10Hz), beta2(15-20Hz), beta3(20-30Hz), gamma(30-45Hz) and relative power-delta (1-4Hz), theta (4-8Hz), alpha1 (8-10Hz), alpha2 (10-12Hz), beta1 (10-15Hz), beta2(15-20Hz) and gamma(30-45Hz). 3D brainwave analysis highlights the functional, rather than the structural, status of key brain areas, offering special insights into cortical dysfunction or compensatory activity. This brain map highlights areas where the balance between slow (theta, 4-8Hz) waves and fast (beta, 15-20Hz) waves differs from that expected based on age and sex-matched normal healthy population. Lower-than-expected levels of function are reported along with higher- than expected levels. Individual results will be provided.

  up to 3 months

• ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) stress analysis via simultaneous Electroencephalogram (EEG) and HRV (heart rate variability)

  The stress report analyzes ones PPG rhythm pattern with an AI algorithm, displaying 5 stages of stress from homeostasis to burnout (homeostasis, alarm, resistance, exhaustion, and burnout). HRV indicates balance between the activity of the two branches of the ANS. Individual results will be provided.

  up to 3 months

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Cognitive Orientation & Social-Emotional Competency Assessment (COSEC)

  up to 3 months

Other Outcomes (5)

• Microbiome Analysis

  up to 3 months

• Health and Lifestyle survey

  up to 3 months

• Depression Scores - Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

  up to 3 months

Interventions

Workplace Stress and Irregular shift hours OTHER

The physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts that workplace stress and irregular shift hours have on first responders.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

First Responders including firefighters, police, SWAT, EMTs, detectives, and dispatchers.

You may qualify if:

• Full-Time, actively employed First Responder
• Participants must be 18 years of age and older
• Participants must be able to read and write English
• Participants must be able to provide consent independently
• Participants must provide a legitimate postal address/P.O Box
• Participants must have access to a device such as a computer or a smartphone

You may not qualify if:

• Unable to provide a stool sample due to health status or functional impairment
• Unable to complete EEG measurement due to health status
• Cognitively impaired persons
• Department volunteers
• Prisoners

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Endominance: lead
• Dr. John J. Ratey: collaborator
• F1RST Clinic (Dr. Heather Twedell): collaborator
• HEM Pharma Inc.: collaborator
• iMediSync: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Endominance Inc.

Irvine, California, 92618, United States

Location

Related Links

• Research Study Landing Page

Biospecimen

Retention: SAMPLES WITHOUT DNA

Samples will be lab processed and analyzed for the diversity of gut bacteria, dietary habits as well as gut microbiota-derived metabolites from exogenous dietary substrates and endogenous host compounds. Individual results will not be provided.

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Occupational Stress; Psychological Well-Being; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Occupational Diseases; Stress, Psychological; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Personal Satisfaction; Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: INDUSTRY
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 7, 2022
• First Posted: December 21, 2022
• Study Start: October 12, 2022
• Primary Completion: April 11, 2023
• Study Completion: May 1, 2023
• Last Updated: December 22, 2022

Record last verified: 2022-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)