Key result
Mental work (a 45-min reading and writing session) significantly increased diastolic blood pressure (74 vs 69 mmHg, p<0.05) and heart rate compared to control, with no sex differences observed.
Why the study?
Does a 45-min reading and writing session alter blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability in healthy adults?
Population
44 healthy adults
Comparison
45-min reading and writing session (Mental Work) vs Control condition
Design
RCT, randomized crossover design
Follow-up
45 minutes
Authors
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Recent mental work may confound office BP readings; extends RCT evidence on parasympathetic withdrawal during cognitive tasks.
RCT (n=44)
randomized crossover
Does a 45-min reading and writing session alter blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability in healthy adults?
Absolute Event Rate: 74% vs 69%
p-value: p=< 0.05
Mental work increases blood pressure and heart rate through a reduction in cardiac parasympathetic modulation, with similar cardiovascular responses observed in both men and women.
Angelo Tremblay Normand Teasdale (2013) conducted an RCT in healthy adults (n=44). Mental Work (reading and writing session) vs. Control condition was evaluated on Diastolic Blood Pressure (p=< 0.05). Mental work (a 45-min reading and writing session) significantly increased diastolic blood pressure (74 vs 69 mmHg, p<0.05) and heart rate compared to control, with no sex differences observed.
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