Spectral Analysis of R-R Intervals Under Different Work Conditions

Abstract

Five trained mate subjects performed a light repetitive task continuously for two hours under unpaced conditions and for two hours under paced conditions. The subjects’ unpaced output was not significantly different from their individual paced output. Work cycle times, respiratory intervals and R-R intervals were continuously recorded throughout the two hours under both conditions. Spectral analysis of the R-R intervals suggests that the cardiac variable may become entrained to a certain extent by this kind of work. This is more prominent for paced than unpaced work.