Effect of aerobic fitness on reduction of physiological stress in women

A Akbari; H Bastin; M. M Amiri

Effect of aerobic fitness on reduction of physiological stress in women

A Akbari ¹ , H Bastin ² and M. M Amiri ^{3
, *}

Authors Information

¹ Pathology Department, Health Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,, Iran

² Cell Laboratory, Cell & Molecular Department, Biology Faculty, Tehran University, Tehran,, Iran

³ Pathology Department, Health Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,, Andorra

Article information

Journal of Critical Care Nursing : September 30, 2009, 1 (1); e6380
Published Online: September 30, 2009
Article Type: Correction
Received: April 13, 2016
Accepted: August 18, 2008

To Cite: Akbari A, Bastin H, Amiri M M. Effect of aerobic fitness on reduction of physiological stress in women, Crit Care Nurs J. 2009 ;1(1):e6380.

Abstract

Abstract
Aims. While the physiological effects of stress are advantageous when the response occurs to prepare the body for “fight or
flight,” they can be detrimental if long lasting or repeated without outlet. One of the mechanisms that may link stress to
illness is arousal of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that occurs during the stress response. Through the SNS, the
stress response prepares the individual to deal with the stressor physiologically. Problems arise when the individual is
unable to, or perceives she is unable to, escape the stressor. Stress reactivity was assessed in aerobically fit (n = 20) and
unfit (n = 18) females during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle in this study.
Methods. Participants completed the survey sheet and provided a urine sample for catecholamine analysis before and after
mental stress testing, Strop Color-Word Test. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured during mental stress testing.
Results. Fit and unfit participants differed significantly in baseline heart rate but not in stress reactivity or in state or trait
anxiety.
Conclusion. These data suggest that aerobic fitness does not attenuate the stress response in women prior to menopause.

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