Use of Wearable Technology in monitoring HRV during Mind-Body Exercise (Tai Chi)

摘要

The development of miniature sensors that can be attached to the body or be integrated into apparel has provided countless possibilities of monitoring physiological data over extended periods of time. Among many valuable metrics of health obtained from such wearable technology, heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most promising continuous markers which is sensitive to both physiological and pathophysiological changes of the body. The aim of this study was to monitor HRV changes during Tai Chi. In order to monitor HRV, we used the wearable heart monitor FirstBeat Bodyguard 2, which was validated for accuracy and reliability. We then tested seven subjects (62.7±3.9 years) who perform Tai Chi regularly for more than one year. We found that HRV decreased during 30 minutes of Tai Chi (24-form Yang style), as expected for a moderate-type exercise that stimulates sympathetic influence. Secondly, we found that HRV had increased 30 minutes after Tai Chi, as expected for a mindful activity that stimulates parasympathetic activity. These are promising preliminary data. We anticipate that future data from more subjects and sophisticated analyses of HRV patterns during Tai Chi will help in monitoring individual autonomic regulation and better understanding the potential health benefits of mind-body exercises such as Tai Chi.