Digital Biomarkers of Stress and Closed-Loop Bio-Electronic Therapy Based on Wearable Technology
Abstract
The ultimate vision of this research is to develop a transformative wearable closed-loop system for unobtrusive stress detection, tracking, and optimization. Work-related stress and stress-induced mental illness is prevalent in the U.S. workforce, which amounts to >$100B in cost associated with deteriorated productivity and disability claims. Stress can lead to depression, which is associated with lower productivity and morale as well as higher absenteeism, turnover rate, job-related accidents, and conflicts with colleagues. Especially in the context of military organizations, stress and stress-induced mental illness due to its unique mission requirements (combat operations as well as humanitarian and disaster relief) as well as routine peace-time assignments has received significant interest. To maximize the performance of military personnel against stress, it is crucial to develop capabilities to unobtrusively monitor stress response and susceptibility in individual service personnel as well as to provide effective, personalized therapies to those whose stress must be mitigated/optimized. We propose to investigate the feasibility of continuous and unobtrusive stress detection, tracking, and mitigation by developing a novel wearable closed-loop system capable of monitoring stress and providing bio-electronic therapy. If successful, such a system may enable ultra-convenient, continuous, and effective stress monitoring and optimization in military personnel. Unfortunately, existing capabilities to detect and mitigate stress have critical shortcomings. Most importantly, stress detection resorts to rudimentary biomarkers (such as heart rate) with limited sensitivity and specificity, while stress mitigation requires invasive therapy involving implantable devices. To shift the paradigm, we will investigate novel digital biomarkers of stress response and non-invasive bio-electronic therapy for stress detection, tracking, and mitigation compatible with wearable form factors. Our aims include: (i) to develop and validate digital biomarkers for detection of acute stress, which can be measured by a wearable system and can be leveraged for closed-loop stress mitigation in the field; (ii) to determine effective peripheral nerve targets amenable to a wearable system for stimulation that significantly reduce sympathetic response to mental stress; and (iii) to develop a closed-loop wearable system with digital biomarker monitoring and bio-electronic peripheral nerve stimulation for stress mitigation in the field. This project intends to develop transformative technologies for detection and optimization of acute stress in the field. Hence, this project is highly relevant to the technological need of the Navy in that it will provide a novel capability to optimize performance and combat readiness of Warfighters. Ultimately, it may be integrated into medical autonomy systems being actively pursued in the DoD sector. In addition, given that work-related stress is common in both military and civilian sectors, this project may have the potential to benefit the general U.S. workforce population beyond active- duty military personnel. Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 06, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112031
Entities
People
- Jin-Oh Hahn
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Maryland