CHANGES IN OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE INDIC ATORS OF STRESS UNDER A MODEL LOAD

Using biochemical indicators (catecholamines, their metabolites and co rtisol) and subjective feelings (tension and tiredness), the authors t ested the manifestation of the mental load (numeral square). The exper imental subjects were hypertonics, the control group were normotonics, and individuals, showing a reaction of hypertension under physical lo ad, but in whom, so far, no raised blood pressure was found under rest (potential hypertonics). The measurements taken under load were compa red with a ,,standard'' situation of relaxation. The authors were also interested in comparing the various indicators under both types of ex perimental conditions (relaxation, load). The levels of catecholamines were taken from three samples of urine at each session (before the ex periment, immediately after and an hour after the end of the experimen t). The same was done with cortisol in saliva. During the same periods the subjective feelings of tension and tiredness experienced by the i ndividuals were evaluated on a five-grade scale. In assessing the chan ges in the indicators under mental load as against the ,,standard'' re laxation situation the analysis of variance (ANOVA - two way model wit h repeated measures) and Kruskal - Wallis test were used. All the subj ects presented high cardiovascular risk, considerable deficiencies in life style, and many psychological difficulties. The risk was highest in hypertonics and the reaction under model mental load showed a highe r risk biochemical reaction than it was the case in the control group. It is the extended secretion of catecholamines, the long lasting and intense feeling of tiredness and the basically inferior capacity for r elaxation which underline the need to aim, particularly in the case of this group of seriously threatened individuals, at measures which wou ld influence these risks positively. In practice this normally meets w ith insufficient motivation in both the professional and the lay publi c. The active approach to one's health is not, so far, widely practice d. The most effective measures are, of course, those carried out in th e framework of primary prevention. So far as secondary or even tertiar y prevention is concerned, the motivation can be a little better but i t is often insufficient, too. Achieving and improving motivation will take time and education.