HRV as an early biomarker for post-trauma in UAV operators
Support Research
Research significance
Post-trauma is not exclusive to soldiers on the battlefield. UAV operators face a unique conflict — a complete physical distance from combat combined with daily exposure to high-stakes decisions and distressing imagery. This study examines whether heart rate variability (HRV) can serve as an early biomarker for identifying the risk of developing PTSD, even before symptoms emerge.
Research objectives
Scope of the Research
Do UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD show lower HRV values (RMSSD and HF) compared to their healthy peers, and can these metrics serve as early indicators of psychological distress?
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
There is a correlation between decreased HRV and the presence or development of PTSD in a population that is not physically exposed to threat, yet experiences high emotional burden and moral stress.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
If significant differences are found, it may be possible to develop a quick and objective screening tool to identify risk among remote operations personnel, integrate physiological measures into routine assessments, and prevent the development of PTSD.
Real-World Impact
Strengthening mental health in elite security units
Personalized treatment and PTSD prevention
Early detection of distress – before symptom onset
Research Methodology
Analysis
T-tests, regressions, ROC curves, and survival
analysis
Signal processing using Kubios and sensitivity analysis for operational variables
Technology
Polar H10 and Garmin Vivosmart 4
Data are uploaded automatically via a secure app.
Stage 1 – Comparative research-
Comparison between 30 UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD and 30 without PTSD, matched by age, role, and flight hours. All participants undergo HRV measurement (5 minutes of guided breathing), PTSD questionnaires (CAPS-5, PCL-5), and assessments of depression, anxiety, task load, and moral injury.
Longitudinal objectives
The study aims to examine whether low HRV at the start of service predicts the development of PTSD, identify physiological threshold points that allow early screening, assess whether improvement in HRV over time is associated with symptom reduction, and evaluate an experimental intervention using targeted biofeedback for individuals with particularly low HRV.
Phase 2 – Longitudinal follow-up
A 12-month follow-up of 180 new UAV operators.
Monthly HRV measurements during sleep (using a chest strap and wristband)
Join us in a pioneering study shaping the future of healing.
Support Research
Contact us
HRV as an early biomarker for post-trauma in UAV operators
Support Research
Research significance
Post-trauma is not exclusive to soldiers on the battlefield. UAV operators face a unique conflict — a complete physical distance from combat combined with daily exposure to high-stakes decisions and distressing imagery. This study examines whether heart rate variability (HRV) can serve as an early biomarker for identifying the risk of developing PTSD, even before symptoms emerge.
Research objectives
Scope of the Research
Do UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD show lower HRV values (RMSSD and HF) compared to their healthy peers, and can these metrics serve as early indicators of psychological distress?
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
There is a correlation between decreased HRV and the presence or development of PTSD in a population that is not physically exposed to threat, yet experiences high emotional burden and moral stress.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
If significant differences are found, it may be possible to develop a quick and objective screening tool to identify risk among remote operations personnel, integrate physiological measures into routine assessments, and prevent the development of PTSD.
Real-World Impact
Strengthening mental health in elite security units
Personalized treatment and PTSD prevention
Early detection of distress – before symptom onset
Research Methodology
Analysis
T-tests, regressions, ROC curves, and survival
analysis
Signal processing using Kubios and sensitivity analysis for operational variables
Technology
Polar H10 and Garmin Vivosmart 4
Data are uploaded automatically via a secure app.
Stage 1 – Comparative Research
Comparison between 30 UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD and 30 without PTSD, matched by age, role, and flight hours. All participants undergo HRV measurement (5 minutes of guided breathing), PTSD questionnaires (CAPS-5, PCL-5), and assessments of depression, anxiety, task load, and moral injury.
Longitudinal objectives
The study aims to examine whether low HRV at the start of service predicts the development of PTSD, identify physiological threshold points that allow early screening, assess whether improvement in HRV over time is associated with symptom reduction, and evaluate an experimental intervention using targeted biofeedback for individuals with particularly low HRV.
Phase 2 – Longitudinal follow-up
A 12-month follow-up of 180 new UAV operators.
Monthly HRV measurements during sleep (using a chest strap and wristband)
Join us in a pioneering study shaping the future of healing.
Support Research
Contact us
HRV as an early biomarker for post-trauma in UAV operators
Support Research
Research significance
Post-trauma is not exclusive to soldiers on the battlefield. UAV operators face a unique conflict — a complete physical distance from combat combined with daily exposure to high-stakes decisions and distressing imagery. This study examines whether heart rate variability (HRV) can serve as an early biomarker for identifying the risk of developing PTSD, even before symptoms emerge.
Research objectives
Scope of the Research
Do UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD show lower HRV values (RMSSD and HF) compared to their healthy peers, and can these metrics serve as early indicators of psychological distress?
Research Hypothesis and Objectives
There is a correlation between decreased HRV and the presence or development of PTSD in a population that is not physically exposed to threat, yet experiences high emotional burden and moral stress.
Anticipated Outcomes and Impact
If significant differences are found, it may be possible to develop a quick and objective screening tool to identify risk among remote operations personnel, integrate physiological measures into routine assessments, and prevent the development of PTSD.
Real-World Impact
Strengthening mental health in elite security units
Personalized treatment and PTSD prevention
Early detection of distress – before symptom onset
Research Methodology
Analysis
T-tests, regressions, ROC curves, and survival
analysis
Signal processing using Kubios and sensitivity analysis for operational variables
Technology
Polar H10 and Garmin Vivosmart 4
Data are uploaded automatically via a secure app.
Stage 1 – Comparative Research
Comparison between 30 UAV operators diagnosed with PTSD and 30 without PTSD, matched by age, role, and flight hours. All participants undergo HRV measurement (5 minutes of guided breathing), PTSD questionnaires (CAPS-5, PCL-5), and assessments of depression, anxiety, task load, and moral injury.
Longitudinal objectives
The study aims to examine whether low HRV at the start of service predicts the development of PTSD, identify physiological threshold points that allow early screening, assess whether improvement in HRV over time is associated with symptom reduction, and evaluate an experimental intervention using targeted biofeedback for individuals with particularly low HRV.
Phase 2 – Longitudinal follow-up
A 12-month follow-up of 180 new UAV operators.
Monthly HRV measurements during sleep (using a chest strap and wristband)
Join us in shaping the future of healing
Support Research
Contact us