Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2000-11-6
pubmed:abstractText
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that short-term psychological stress produces significant changes in sympathovagal activity. A simple, noninvasive method was used measuring the timing and frequency of heart-rate variability (HRV). 30 normal healthy subjects were assigned into two age- and sex matched groups. In the experimental condition a 5-min. psychological stress test, predominantly based on the Stroop Word Color Conflict Test, was employed in a competitive setting and included a financial inducement to produce psychological strain. Analysis showed that during psychological stress a significant reduction in the timing and frequency of heart rate variability was observed. The standard deviation of interbeat intervals decreased. A significant increase in heart rate was also observed. Within the frequency domain, a significant reduction in the high frequency component of HRV and a significant increase in the low frequency component were observed. There was also a significant increase in the low frequency to high frequency ratio. Self-evaluation of physical tension and emotional state measured by visual analog scales also showed significant increases following psychological stress. No significant differences were observed on any variables within the control group. The results indicate a shift towards sympathetic predominance as a result of parasympathetic withdrawal and demonstrates that this psychological stress test is effective in provoking a characteristic defence-arousal reaction. This simple, cost-effective method of analysing heart rate variability is suitable for detection of short-term changes in sympathovagal balance.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Oct
pubmed:issn
0031-5125
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
91
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
515-24
pubmed:dateRevised
2004-11-17
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2000
pubmed:articleTitle
Effects of short-term psychological stress on the time and frequency domains of heart-rate variability.
pubmed:affiliation
The University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article