2012 Case Study - Heart Rate Variability Hans Holdhaus, CEO IMSB-Austria 25.05.2012
Case Study The Client www.oegussa.at Ögussa is Austria's market leader in the management and supply of precious metals. Being part of the Belgian Umicore Group, the firm aims to offer high-quality products and services with committed employees. At the manufacturing facility in Vienna Liesing Ögussa uses its proprietary method for the production and recycling of precious metals. Celebrating 150 years of tradition in 2012 and with a turnover of about 400 million Euros, the success of the company is based on the competences and commitment of its over 400 employees who are primarily trained in-house. Main Goal Ögussa s senior management recognizes that consistent and outstanding performance is anchored in a positive approach of the firm s employees to health and wellness, encompassing physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing Hans Holdhaus and his team were hired to raise the awareness of the importance of better life quality and to introduce the effects of burn out and prevention strategies
What We Did Kick Off event for all staff members to inform about the concept Questionnaires about spare time activities, nutrition, work environment - before and after 6 months Medical checkups and HRV before and after 6 months Coaching sessions after the results were provided. Workshops for heavy lifting Workshops for better balance Presentations about physical exercise at home or at work Presentations about easy and healthy food at work 1 coaching session per month/staff member The program was introduced in April 2011. The first evaluation was done 6 months after the program has started and the next evaluation is scheduled to take place in spring 2013. In addition to medical and nutritional checks, heart rate variability (HRV) tests were carried out. HRV measurements are an effective and quick way to obtain objective information on a person s state of health and performance. HRV measures the heart s rhythmic changes which are controlled by internal and external influences. HRV is measured by a small device which has to be carried by the test person for 24 hours and the data from approximately 100,000 heartbeats are extrapolated via highly specialized software. Analyzed as a fire-like color prism, HRV measurements provide information about your physical and mental vitality and relaxation and sleep quality. Developed jointly in a coaching conversation, the results of the tests carried out were translated into a life balancing recommendation program. These tailor-made programs include all life topics such as exercise, diet, relaxation, sleep, and breathing. Ögussa being a manufacturing company, the work force is diverse and represents a mix of intense physical labour work and typical office work. 58 staff members opted to only do the standard medical checkup and 35 staff members participated in the HRV measurements.
What We Achieved Visualization with HRV
What We Achieved Visualization with HRV
Before & After - Examples of HRV Spectrograms Before After Overall low total power and bad sleep habits showing in loss of energy and bad recovery. Increased total power and good sleep architecture showing in a return of energy and good balance in the autonomous nervous system. Case 1 - Male, 35 years old, blue collar worker Intervention: Stepping up of the daily rhythmicity through cognizant breathing exercises during breaks, more exercise and reduction of television viewing before bed time
Case 2 Female, 41 years old, white collar worker Intervention: Improvement of quality of sleep through more exercise, eating lunch regularly, more support in work processes and recognition by management. Case 3 Male, 48 years old, blue collar worker Intervention: Dietary change and more exercise, introduction of an evening ritual.
Client Comments I never believed that this tool would change my life habits so immense. (Michael, Metall recycling specialist) Now I really know where I lost most of my daily energy. With easy and practical interventions for my work- I know what do now- Looking forward to my next evaluation. (Markus, Sales) I was astonished to hear that I was going in a totally wrong direction. I had no feeling at all that I was doing wrong. The HRV showed me what I did wrong (where I lost my energy) but also showed me my hidden resources I can tap on. (Ulrike, copper specialist)
About Us Health Promotion & Performance by Holdhaus (HPPH) was founded by Prof. Hans Holdhaus & Hans Holdhaus Jr. and the company was incorporated in Hong Kong in April 2012. Prof. Hans Holdhaus is the founder and managing director of IMSB Austria. Hans Holdhaus Jr. is an internationally recognized Sport Scientist and Head of Health Management at IMSB Austria, the Austrian Institute for Sports Medicine and Science. IMSB Austria was foundedd in 1982 to ensure comprehensive, scientifically sound support for all Austrian athletes. For the first time, athletes and trainers alike were comprehensively counseled and scientifically supported. The main focus was on optimum training and competition conditions. Step by step, new fields of activity were added: sports medicine, anthropometry, anti-doping, nutrition, physiotherapy and biomechanics. Hans Holdhaus JR. At IMSB Austria, sports physicians, sports scientists, nutritional experts, laboratory analysts, physio and massage therapists work under one roof to ensure excellence in medical performance analysis, training recommendations and personal advice. Unit 1301, 13/F., Chung Nam 1 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong Phone: +852 5441 3848 E-Mail: h@byholdhaus.com Building, Johann Steinböckstr.5 2344 Maria Enzersdorf Austria Phone:+43 2236 22928 E-mail:office@imsb.at