Effect of aerobic fitness on the physiological stress responses at work.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of aerobic fitness on physiological stress responses experienced by teachers during working hours.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-six healthy female and male teachers aged 33-62 years participated in the study. The ratings of perceived stress visual analogue scale (VAS), and the measurement of physiological responses (norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and trapezius muscle activity by electromyography (EMG), were determined. Predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) was measured using the submaximal bicycle ergometer test. The predicted VO(2)max was standardized for age using residuals of linear regression analyses.

Results: Static EMG activity, HR and VAS were associated with aerobic fitness in teachers.

Conclusions: The results suggest that a higher level of aerobic fitness may reduce muscle tension, HR and perceived work stress in teachers.