Heart rate variability, physical activity and daily eustress and distress among Finnish employees

Abstract

The interaction between heart rate variability (HRV), physical activity (PA) and perceived stress levels has gained research interest in recent years due to its multifaceted implications for occupational health and wellbeing. This study examined the relationship between HRV and perceived stress levels among Finnish employees while also assessing the potential moderating effect of PA on this interplay. The objective was to enhance the empirical understanding of these physiological and psychological constructs, thereby contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of the mechanisms through which HRV and PA may influence, or be influenced by, individuals´ subjective experiences of stress.

This quantitative study employed the Bittium Faros wearable device for continuous HRV monitoring across three consecutive working days, alongside self-reported PA levels and stress perceptions through modified versions of the Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Valencia Eustress-Distress Appraisal Scale, respectively. The cohort of the study (n = 41) encompassed a broad spectrum of occupational roles spanning multiple sectors within Finland. Data derived from these measures were subjected to both correlation analysis and multilevel modeling data analyzing methods, in the purpose of dissecting the relationships and hierarchical interactions among the studied variables.

In alignment with previous studies, the present study revealed that moderate intensity PA (MPA) increased well-being based on its positive correlation with the HRV parameter SDNN. Interestingly, both low intensity PA (LPA) and MPA exhibited a negative relationship with eustress, indicating that PA may not serve as an efficacious strategy for inducing a state of eustress. Furthermore, the participants who engaged more in LPA reported elevated distress levels. As it is unlikely that LPA causes distress, this result warrants further investigation of the underlying factors that can influence distress levels. Additionally, this study strengthened the existing knowledge, that increased values of HRV parameters SDNN and RMSSD correlate with reduced distress levels. However, the anticipated moderating effect of PA on the HRVstress relationships did not receive empirical validation.

This thesis contributed to the growing body of knowledge on stress management, positing that HRV and PA constitute valuable tools for the comprehension and managing stress. Nonetheless, the dynamic interplay among these variables and their impact on perceived stress is rather complex. Future research should explore the specific types and intensities of PA that optimally facilitate stress management, and how individual and organizational determinants influence the efficacy of stress management strategies.