Heart rate vARiability and physical activity in inpatient treatMent of burnOut and DepressIon (HARMODI): protocol of a cross-sectional study with up to 8-week follow up.

Introduction: Chronic stress can cause an imbalance within the autonomic nervous system, thereby affecting cardiovascular and mental health. Physical activity (PA) may have a positive effect on the autonomic nervous system and stress-related disorders, such as depression and burnout. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive marker of the autonomic nervous system.