Evaluation of examination stress based on the changes of sinus arrhythmia parameters

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess changes during the pre-examination, examination and postexamination period investigation in the sinus arrhythmia parameters. EXAMINEES AND METHODS: Twelve female subjects, first year students of Psychology, matched by age and previous experience in taking exams, participated in the study. The state of anxiety, high activation and exam apprehension were assessed. The R-R cardiac intervals were continuously recorded by an eight-channel polygraph (Powerlab). The measurements were made four times in the pre-examination period (days-20, -10, -1 and immediately before the exam), and on two occasions after the exam (days 1 and 10 days of the exam). The recording of R-R intervals also began five minutes before the exam and continued during the exam and five minutes after the exam. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The level of anxiety, exam apprehension and high activation changed in a similar way, showing almost linear increase with the approaching of the exam. The changes of R-R interval parameters showed that stress was highest during the exam. The measurements and analysis of results showed a decrease of stress in the postexamination period.