Heart rate variability and task demand ratings compared between physical and mental work activities

Demands at work are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the pathways between them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical and mental work demands on heart rate variability $($HRV$)$ and perceived ratings of workload. Heart rate was recorded while at rest and while performing two tasks: manual materials handling and office work tasks. Three power spectral components and one time domain component were used to assess HRV$,$ and the NASA Task Load Index $($NASA$-$TLX$)$ was used to determine perceived workload. Use the data provided on the time domain component of HRV$,$ the RMSSD$,$ and physical, temporal, and effort ratings from the NASA$-$TLX to evaluate difference between the work tasks.