Citation

Schmid K, Riehm Y, Rossbach B, Letzel S, Drexler H, Mück-Weymann M. Psychother. Psychosom. Med. Psychol. 2008; 58(11): 416-422.

Vernacular Title

Einfluss der Schichtarbeit im Rettungsdienst auf psychophysische Parameter.

Affiliation

Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin der Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen. klaus.schmid@rzmail.uni-erlangen.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2007-986291

PMID

18092281

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the investigation was to receive information about the interaction between psycho-physical parameters as a function of the strain by shift work for rescue service personnel. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 26 persons, who are active in the rescue service. The investigations always took place in the morning between 7.00 and 8.00 o'clock, either after 3 days off (n = 26), after 3 night shifts (n = 14) or in the morning of the third day shift (n = 14). The investigations included measurements of blood pressure, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol. Additionally, standardized questionnaires (WHO-5, EBF 72/3) were used. RESULTS: A significant rise of the quotient LF/HF--as indicator for a sympathetic dominance--could be proven by means of a simple three minute arithmetic task at every investigation (after 3 days off from 0.81 to 2.30; p < 0.001). By means of the EBF a clear impairment could be demonstrated after 3 night shifts. Fatigue and somatic complaints were the main outcomes. In our study a more impaired well-being was associated with a more pronounced decrease of salivary cortisol (r = 0.538; p < 0.05) as well as lower blood pressure values (r = 0.547; p < 0.05), and a lower LF/HF quotient (r = 0.836; p < 0.01), indicating lower sympathetic and/or increased vagale activation, after three night shifts. CONCLUSIONS: After three night shifts a lower sympathetic activation seems to negatively affect the well-being. Due to the provable specific strain night- and shift-workers should be a priority target group for prevention and workplace health promotion.

Language: de