DIFFERENCES IN PULSE-RATE AND HEART-RATE AND EFFECTS ON THE CALCULATION OF HEART-RATE REACTIVITY DURING PERIODS OF MENTAL STRESS

Heart rate and reactivity from pulse and ECG were compared over rest a nd mental arithmetic periods of 2-min duration each for 32 males and 5 0 females. Data from the two sources of heart rate were not significan tly different during the rest period but did differ significantly duri ng periods of heart rate acceleration and deceleration. Sex effects we re also noted, with females having consistently higher heart rates fro m both,sources of measurement. Calculation of heart rate reactivity vi a five procedures based upon the wider literature revealed significant differences between data from different sources of heart rate. Implic ations for assessment of heart rate reactivity to laboratory stressors are discussed, with suggestions for future research.