Wearable Device Case-Study: Unveiling Physiological Stress Patterns in a Neurosurgeon operating multiple surgeries

Authors

Andy Suarez, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Justin Braun, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Gabriel J. Sanders, University of CincinnatiFollow
Yoav Ritter, HCA Florida Healthcare, DavieFollow
Steven Vanni, HCA Florida Healthcare, DavieFollow
Jaime Tartar, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Corey A. Peacock, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Introduction

Utilizing a wearable device, this case study aims to measure stress at different surgical durations to bridge the gap in research regarding the physiological stress of surgery. Significant stress variations throughout the surgeries are anticipated, which will provide valuable insight into the patterns of physiological stress experienced by our neurosurgeon.

Materials and Methods

One male neurosurgeon subject (n=1; age: 48; height: 188 cm; weight: 87.3 kg) conducted 82 surgeries (2023-2024). A wearable device (Whoop 4, Boston, MA) was used to monitor maximum heart rate (MAXHR), average heart rate (AVGHR), calories (CAL), strain (STR) and surgery duration (MIN). Surgeries were categorized into groups: UND1 (<1 hour; n = 22), 1TO2 (1-2 hours; n = 21), 2TO3 (2-3 hours; n = 22), OVR3 (>3 hours; n = 17). Data analysis utilized statistical software (SPSS version 29).

Results

Correlations revealed positive associations: MIN and MAXHR (r = .372; p < .001), MIN and CAL (r = .700; p < .001), MIN and STR (r = .249; p = .024). ANOVA indicated significant differences in MAXHR (F = 6.738; p < .001) and CAL (F = 63.831; p < .001) across surgery durations. Post hoc analysis identified significant differences in MAXHR between OVR3 and UND1 (104.5 ± 6.6 bpm vs 95.0 ± 9.3 bpm; p < .001) and between OVR3 and 2TO3 (104.5 ± 6.6 bpm vs 96.8 ± 5.4 bpm; p = .008). Analysis also demonstrated significant differences in CAL between OVR3 and UND1 (316.5 ± 131.2 kcal vs 61.6 ± 18.3 kcal; p < .001), OVR3 and 1TO2 (316.5 ± 131.2 kcal vs 102.9 ± 19.6 kcal; p < .001), OVR3 and 2TO3 (316.5 ± 131.2 kcal vs 195.6 ± 28.7 kcal; p < .001), 2TO3 and 1TO2 (195.6 ± 28.7 kcal vs 102.9 ± 19.6 kcal; p < .001), and between 2TO3 and UND1 (195.6 ± 28.7 kcal vs 61.6 ± 18.3 kcal; p < .001). No significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) were found between UND1 and 1TO2.

Discussion

Significant elevations in MAXHR and CAL were observed as surgical duration increased, indicating a direct association between surgery duration, and the physical demands on the subject. Surgeries over 3 hours showed significantly higher MAXHR compared to those under 1 hour and 2-3 hours. CAL increased in surgeries lasting over 3 hours. The findings of this case study highlight the physiological stress experienced by the neurosurgeon during extended neurosurgeries. More research into the physiological stress of surgery is needed to support our findings and generalize the results.

Recommended Citation

Suarez, Andy; Braun, Justin; Sanders, Gabriel J.; Ritter, Yoav; Vanni, Steven; Tartar, Jaime; and Peacock, Corey A. (2024) "Wearable Device Case-Study: Unveiling Physiological Stress Patterns in a Neurosurgeon operating multiple surgeries," Journal for Sports Neuroscience: Vol. 1: Iss. 2, Article 16.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/neurosports/vol1/iss2/16