Effects of implementing an ergonomic work schedule on heart rate variability in shift-working nurses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychophysiology
• Cardiovascular Regulation

Background:

• Shift work poses risks to psychophysiological strain and autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of ANS function and stress.
• Evaluating ergonomic shift schedules is crucial for improving worker well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare psychophysiological strain between conventional and ergonomically improved shift schedules using HRV analysis.
• To assess the impact of ergonomic shift arrangements on HRV and ANS sympathovagal balance.
• To determine if improved shift schedules enhance recovery between work shifts.

Main Methods:

• 48 female nurses participated, providing questionnaire data and 24-hour HRV recordings.
• Data collected during conventional (baseline) and ergonomic shift schedules (follow-up after one year).
• Focus on morning shifts to analyze HRV parameters like LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio.

Main Results:

• Ergonomic schedules showed decreased normalized LF power and increased normalized HF power at the shift's start.
• The LF/HF ratio, indicating sympathovagal balance, was lower with ergonomic schedules.
• Baseline morning shifts showed increased mean RR interval, RMSSD, and normalized HF power at the end versus the beginning.

Conclusions:

• Ergonomic shift schedules significantly reduce psychophysiological strain at the beginning of work shifts.
• Improved shift designs positively influence ANS recovery between successive work shifts.
• HRV analysis confirms the benefits of ergonomic shift schedules for nurse well-being.