Differential psychophysiological reactivity of city bus drivers

Abstract

Two groups of six city bus drivers whose absence rate differed during the previous year were studied. Catecholamine (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine) excretion rates were measured from urine samples obtained at 3-5-hour intervals over 2 working days and, for control purposes, over the first and second consecutive free days. After 3-5-hour periods of work heart rate variability was studied in laboratory conditions. In addition self-assessed workload was measured. As a major result differential neuro-endocrine and cardiovascular reactivity was found.