The effect of mental stress on psychophysiological parameters

Abstract

A set-up for evaluating psychophysiological parameters during mental stress tests is described. The set-up was composed of a continuous non-invasive blood pressure monitor, skin conductance and skin temperature measurement devices and body heat-flux meter. Twelve healthy volunteers were tested using two different mental stress tests (Stroop colour-word conflict test and mathematical subtraction test). For comparison, also a physical test was employed. The results indicated that along the increase in heart rate and skin conductance, also systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased during all tests. Mental stress tests had weaker effect on psychophysiological parameters of the subjects as compared to physical activity. The results indicate that continuous blood pressure monitoring is a reliable physiological measurement, well correlated with mental and physical stress tests. The results also demonstrated the body heat-flux measurement could be an additional or supplemental measuring tool instead of skin temperature.