This thesis explores the fatigue levels in firefighters and athletes using the Rusko Test and RUST ECG Test, with data captured by the Polar Variety Sensor heart rate monitor. The project aims to delineate the physiological reactions to stress and patterns of recovery in these demanding roles by examining heart rate variability. The ultimate goal is to develop personalized recovery protocols that optimize performance while reducing the risk of overtraining and injuries in these professions.

To support this research, An application has been developed and under refining process:

1. Data Collection Enhancement: The app will be modified to support a reliability study, capturing and storing summary metrics over 30 days, including daily averages and peak heart rates at specified times.

2. Sensor Integration: The app will integrate with individual Polar Verity Sensors.

3. User Interface Development: Enhancements to the graphical user interface will facilitate user interaction, enabling more extensive data gathering in a pilot study. This includes capturing users’ self-reported physical load and readiness.

4. Data Analysis Features: The app will calculate and display a rolling baseline of heart rate metrics from the past 14 days (or a custom period), showing deviations from this baseline to provide immediate feedback on an individual’s current status relative to their typical values.

Pilot Study: Participants will perform a morning orthostatic test daily and provide feedback via the app about their previous day’s physical load, current recovery status, and any recent illnesses or injuries. This study will assess whether heart rate metrics can effectively predict physical readiness and health status.

The main objective of the project is to investigate the fatigue levels of firefighters and athletes using the Rusko Test and RUST ECG Test, measured through a Polar Variety Sensor heart rate monitor, and to understand their physiological responses to stress and recovery patterns. This study aims to develop personalized recovery protocols that enhance performance, minimize the risk of overtraining, and prevent injuries by analyzing heart rate variability and other cardiovascular metrics in these high-intensity professions.