An observational study in Synchrony, sponsored by University of Turku. Recruiting at 1 site in Finland. Open to participants aged 0 Years and older, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-16.
Sponsored by University of Turku · Observational
Parents and newborns influence each other in a dynamic interaction that can be described as synchrony. Synchrony between a newborn and mother refers to the dynamic and reciprocal adaptation between the newborn and mother. In this synchrony, the mother is highly receptive and sensitive to the newborn's signals, feelings, and needs. The aim of this study is to investigate the physiological and behavioral synchrony between newborns and their mothers, and to investigate the connection between maternal heart rate variability and postpartum depression symptoms in the home environment and to evaluate the suitability of remote monitoring devices for use in the home environment.
The study participants consist of 30 newborns and 30 mothers. The inclusion criteria for newborns are: 1) informed consent from the newborn's parents/guardians 2) the newborn's health status has been confirmed as normal during hospital monitoring, and 3) the newborn is less than one month old. The inclusion criteria for mothers are: 1) ability to participate in Finnish, and 2) the mother has access to an Android smartphone.
Data collection will be carried out using the following remote monitoring methods: Emfit smart mattress, Zoundream Cry analyses technology, Polar Verity Sense sensor, and Empatica EmbracePlus sensor. In addition, data will be collected using background information forms, a maternal stress scale (PSS-4), a diary completed by the mother, a maternal depression questionnaire (EPDS), and questionnaires measuring the suitability of remote monitoring in the home environment, and a thematic interview. In addition, at the end of the data collection phase, the mothers participating in the study will try out the Companion App, which displays sample data on the well-being of newborns, and respond to a questionnaire on the usability of the app.
University of Turku is the lead sponsor of 122 studies on the registry; 16 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Study population consists of mother-newborn pairs.
Inclusion Criteria, mothers:
Inclusion Criteria, newborns:
Exclusion Criteria, both (mother and newborn):
Not meeting the inclusion criteria
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Other: Using monitoring devices
Other: Using monitoring devices
During the data collection, mother and newborn are using the monitoring devices listed in study description.
Physiological synchrony
Measuring correlation between mother heart rate (mHR (unit: BPM)) and heart rate variability (mHRV (unit ms)) and newborn heart rate (bHR (unit: BPM)) and heart rate variability (bHRV (unit: ms)).
Time frame: 24 hours
Behavioral synchrony
Measuring the correlation between mother total sleep duration and duration of different sleep stages and newborn total sleep duration and duration of sleep stages (unit: hours and minutes).
Time frame: 24 hours
Correlation between mother heart rate variability and depressive symptoms
Measuring the correlation between mother heart rate variability (mHRV (units: ms)) and depressive symptoms (points from EPDS scale).
Time frame: Duration of data collection varies from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the mother's decision.
Correlation between mother sleep and depressive symptoms.
Measuring the correlation between the duration of mother sleep stages (unit: hours and minutes) and depressive symptoms (points from EPDS scale).
Time frame: Duration of data collection varies from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the mother's decision.
Plan to share: No
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