Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Evaluation of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Wrist Wearables to Estimate Stress on Students
Published on: June 16, 2018
Physiological stress monitoring of postmen during work
J Theurel1, M Offret, C Gorgeon
1INSERM U887, Motricité-Plasticité Laboratory, University of Burgundy, France.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to characterize the physiological demands of postmen during a work day composed of mail sorting (inside work, IW) and cycling distribution (outside work, OW). Two groups of postal workers were constituted according to the geographical profile of their distribution courses: flat profile (FP; n = 7) vs hilly profile (HP; n = 7). Heart rate (HR) was recorded and energy expenditure (EE) was estimated during both IW and OW. EE was, on average, 1795 +/- 497 Kcal per workday. HR was higher (p < 0.001) during OW (104 +/- 14 bpm) than during IW (80 +/- 7 bpm). HR was highest during the cycling part (109 +/- 13 bpm). Average HR was greater (p < 0.001) for HP (112 +/- 9 bpm) than for FP route (95 +/- 8 bpm). On average, the workload of postmen could be considered as moderate. Nevertheless, the physiological demand greatly increased during the cycling part of OW, especially with hilly geographical profile. The greater physiological strains during the cycling should be factored into the improvement of work organization and delivery materials (e.g. bicycle) for postal workers.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Stress Concentrations
The stress concentration...
Stress Concentrations
Psychological Responses to Stress
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

