Physiological and psychological measurements during cognitive stress : comparing the effectiveness of two stress intervention techniques.

Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references. === BACKGROUND: A high level of stress can be detrimental to work performance and general health; in particular cardiovascular health. Work related stress has an effect on the autonomic nervous system and hence also can affect heart rate. B...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Scribani, Stefano Lewis
Other Authors: Rauch, Laurie
Format: Dissertation
Language:English
Published: University of Cape Town 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3461
Description
Summary:Includes abstract. === Includes bibliographical references. === BACKGROUND: A high level of stress can be detrimental to work performance and general health; in particular cardiovascular health. Work related stress has an effect on the autonomic nervous system and hence also can affect heart rate. By studying heart rate variability we can indirectly observe autonomic regulation in a convenient, non-invasive manner. Greater autonomic control and HRV are beneficial for managing work stress and could be beneficial for improving cardiovascular health particularly in an elderly population. HRV can be modified through changes in respiratory rate, and is enhanced greatly at slow breathing frequencies. OBJECTIVE: To establish meaningful relationships between physiological and psychological measures during a cognitive test; and to determine the effectiveness of short duration use of a beading system. The effects of age on autonomic regulation are also investigated.