A Cross-Sectional Study on the Effect of Stress on Short-Term Heart Rate Variability and Muscle Strength Among Construction Site Workers

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigates the immediate impact of occupational stress on short-term heart rate variability (HRV) and muscle strength among 200 construction workers in Chennai. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to assess stress levels, while HRV was measured using a portable ECG device, focusing on time-domain (RMSSD) and frequency-domain (HF Power) parameters. Muscle strength was evaluated using a MicroFET 2 dynamometer. Pearson correlation and multivariate regression analyses were applied to determine the associations between stress, HRV, and muscle strength, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and work duration. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and both HRV indices (RMSSD: r=-0.45, p<0.01; HF Power: r=-0.50, p<0.01) as well as muscle strength (r=-0.40, p<0.01). Higher stress levels were associated with reduced HRV and diminished muscle strength. Regression analyses confirmed that stress independently predicted lower HRV (RMSSD: ?=-0.35, p<0.01; HF Power: ?=-0.42, p<0.01) and decreased muscle strength (?=-0.32, p<0.01). These findings suggest that elevated stress negatively impacts both cardiovascular and muscular functioning, potentially increasing the health risks among construction workers. The study highlights the importance of implementing stress management interventions to improve both the physical well-being and productivity of workers in the construction industry.