WHOOP, the leading fitness wearable, has been designed to optimize human performance. WHOOP was founded by Will Ahmed, a former collegiate athlete, who wanted to track how efficiently he was working out – and when he actually needed to rest. After reading hundreds of medical papers, Ahmed learned that heart rate variability was one of many key metrics that provided key insight into how the body could function optimally.
In its early days, WHOOP was used as a tool by professional athletes to optimize their performance – and prioritize their recovery. Some of the best in the world – from Lebron James to Michael Phelps – turned to WHOOP as a tool to enhance their athletic performance, but it became very clear WHOOP could do so much more than that. Soon, WHOOP released a version for consumers providing the same advanced analytics and metrics.
Since its founding in 2002, WHOOP has become a tool for anyone looking to optimize their performance on the field, in the boardroom, or at home, and for those looking to prioritize and unlock the keys to better health. WHOOP measures your unique biometrics 24/7, providing insight into your sleep, strain, recovery, and stress levels. WHOOP also tracks key vital signs, from resting heart rate, to blood oxygen, and skin temperature.
WHOOP has been investing in democratizing access to health information, and to expediting novel research. The team has been contributing to critical research in underinvested areas, like women’s health, to leading novel research during the COVID pandemic, WHOOP is well primed to answer critical questions on the body’s physiological response. In fact, COVID-19 opened the door for potential clinical applications of WHOOP. Because WHOOP is non-invasive, can be worn 24/7, and does not require participants to enter a laboratory, meaning WHOOP can be used in critical research studies with minimal barrier to participation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many WHOOP uses saw spikes in their respiratory rate several days before they received a positive diagnosis. In partnership with Central Queensland University in Australia, WHOOP published critical research that showed how wearable health tech could predict positive COVID-19 infections.
More recently, WHOOP launched a Stress Monitor feature that allows members to track their stress in real time. Created in partnership with Dr. Andrew Huberman, member of the company’s Scientific Advisory Council, Stress Monitor closely tracks daily stress levels in real-time using continuous heart rate variability (HRV) and resting heart rate measurements. WHOOP then coaches members through scientifically-validated approaches to managing physiological stress. Those approaches include in-app breathing protocols to either increase alertness or increase relaxation. In a randomized controlled trial conducted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, participants wore WHOOP to monitor their biometrics, and were asked to perform different breathing exercises for five minutes a day over the course of a month. The study found that the cyclic sigh was significantly better than mindful meditation at improving mood and reducing respiratory rate.
As WHOOP continues to enhance the understanding of the human body and unlock human performance, they have partnered with some of the world’s most respected researchers and scientists to enhance health research, and influence product and feature innovations. The WHOOP Scientific Advisory Council, includes medical doctors, wellness practitioners, and health-tech experts like Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Allison Brager, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Dr. Stacy Sims, Dr. Samer Hattar, Dr. Gina Merchant, and Dr. Hazel Wallace.
