Study on the stress response of young passengers in different subway passenger densities

Abstract

In this study, we set up a virtual subway car and analyzed the stress response of young passengers in different compartments. A total of 10 volunteers participated in the experimental study. We measured their diastolic blood pressures, systolic blood pressures, and heart rates, from a car density of one person per square meter to a density of 10 persons per square meter, using 37° sport wristbands. The results show that the participants’ mean, minimum, and maximum heart rates were within the normal range, but the ratio of their mean to their maximum heart rate was 73.69%, a level that would have an impact on human health. Their mean, minimum, and maximum diastolic blood pressures and systolic blood pressures were within the normal range. Passenger density had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, or heart rate (p < 0.05). Diastolic and systolic blood pressures were significantly positively correlated, whereas diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and systolic blood pressure and heart rate, were negatively correlated, although not significantly. For the sake of comfort, we recommend five persons per square meter as the critical value of congestion.