This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a wearable biosensor to characterize exercise and sleep patterns in Neurology residents and examine perceived barriers to use. We also examined the association between objectively-measured exercise and sleep patterns compared to subjective self-reported data.

Neurology residents (PGY1-3) were invited via email to participate. Informed consent and IRB approval were obtained. Participants were assigned anonymous usernames and provided WHOOP wrist-biosensor devices to wear for 12 months. WHOOP measures parameters such as resting heart rate, heart rate variability, exercise/strain, and sleep (total/deep/REM), with real-time data viewable via smartphone application. Participants completed a baseline survey of validated sleep (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and exercise (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity) scales, and self-reported sleep/exercise characteristics. Participants repeated follow-up surveys at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12-months.

Sixteen of twenty-two eligible residents (72.7%) enrolled. Six (37.5%) stopped wearing WHOOP within the first month. Remaining participants wore WHOOP for an average of 9.2 months. Most frequently cited barriers to continued use were short battery life (19.3%) and forgetting to wear WHOOP (25.6%). Residents who wore WHOOP continuously were more likely to be physically active and/or participate in organized athletics at baseline. Participants underestimated self-reported hours of sleep on surveys. Through the duration of the study, an increase in objective exercise and hours slept was observed from baseline to 12 months.

Wearable biosensor devices may be a feasible tool to more objectively evaluate sleep and exercise patterns in Neurology trainees. Further study is warranted in a larger cohort at multiple sites.