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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Erschienen in:

01.04.2009 | Original Article

Stress reactions to cognitively demanding tasks and open-plan office noise

verfasst von: Jesper Kristiansen, Line Mathiesen, Pernille Kofoed Nielsen, Åse Marie Hansen, Hitomi Shibuya, Helga Munch Petersen, Søren Peter Lund, Jørgen Skotte, Marie Birk Jørgensen, Karen Søgaard

Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Ausgabe 5/2009

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Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the effects of cognitively demanding work tasks and office noise on heart rate variability (HRV), cardiovascular responses and electromyography (EMG) activity in the trapezius muscles.

Methods

Ten female volunteers were exposed to simulated open-plan office noise for 35 min (Leq 65 dBA), while engaged in cognitively demanding tasks. Task performance, self-rated stress and energy, affective state, perceived exertion in the shoulders and in the head, EMG in the left and right trapezius muscle, blood pressure, heart period length, HRV, and salivary cortisol were measured.

Results

Cognitively demanding work tasks were associated with changes in HRV, systolic blood pressure and EMG that reflects increased sympathetic activity in the autonomic nervous system. No effect of noise was observed, except for a higher rating of perceived exertion in the head and, contrary to expectations, a 4% lower diastolic blood pressure in the noise conditions.

Conclusions

Psychophysiological measures reflected the mental load imposed by cognitive work tasks. Short-term exposure to office noise resulted in increased ratings of perceived exertion in the head, but not in physiological stress reactions.

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Titel: Stress reactions to cognitively demanding tasks and open-plan office noise
verfasst von: Jesper Kristiansen
Line Mathiesen
Pernille Kofoed Nielsen
Åse Marie Hansen
Hitomi Shibuya
Helga Munch Petersen
Søren Peter Lund
Jørgen Skotte
Marie Birk Jørgensen
Karen Søgaard
Publikationsdatum: 01.04.2009
Verlag: Springer-Verlag
Erschienen in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Ausgabe 5/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-008-0367-4

Springer Medizin

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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