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

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.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Medicine

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Scribani, Stefano Lewis

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rauch, Laurie

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3461

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/3461