Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 7, 2026

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
07:26

Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans

Published on: October 17, 2018

Challenge-induced cardiovascular response as a predictor of minor illnesses

T M Dembroski, J M MacDougall, S Slaats

    Journal of Human Stress
    |December 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Competitive gaming can impact student health. Extreme physiological responses during play, like high heart rate and blood pressure, were linked to more frequent minor illnesses in male college students.

    Area of Science:

    • Psychophysiology
    • Sports Medicine
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Stress responses during competitive activities can have physiological consequences.
    • The link between acute physiological stress and subsequent illness frequency is not fully understood.
    • Understanding these connections can inform health and wellness strategies for students.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between physiological stress responses during a competitive game and the frequency of minor illnesses.
    • To determine if extreme cardiovascular responses correlate with increased illness susceptibility.

    Main Methods:

    • Sixty-four male college students played a competitive "TV tennis game".
    • Heart rate and blood pressure were monitored during the game.
    • Health records were analyzed to assess the frequency of minor illnesses post-game.

    Main Results:

    • Students exhibiting extreme increases in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure showed a significantly higher likelihood of frequent minor illnesses.
    • Moderate or low physiological responses were associated with fewer illnesses.

    Conclusions:

    • Acute, extreme physiological stress during competitive gaming is associated with increased susceptibility to minor illnesses in male college students.
    • These findings highlight the potential health implications of intense gaming and competitive stress.
    • Further research could explore underlying mechanisms and preventative measures.

    More Related Videos

    Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training07:40

    Impact of High-intensity Interval Exercise and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Exercise on the Cardiac Troponin T Level at an Early Stage of Training

    Published on: October 10, 2019

    Evaluation of Hydration Status by Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Exercise Stress Test10:21

    Evaluation of Hydration Status by Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Exercise Stress Test

    Published on: September 22, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Responses to Heat and Cold Stress02:45

    Responses to Heat and Cold Stress

    Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
    Factors Affecting Illness01:18

    Factors Affecting Illness

    When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
    For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
    Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

    Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

    Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
    Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
    Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data01:23

    Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data

    A thorough health history and physical assessment are essential for identifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) symptoms and distinguishing them from other health issues.
    Initial Enquiry
    Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
    Medical History
    Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
    Inquire about symptoms...
    Exercise Stress Test01:26

    Exercise Stress Test

    Introduction
    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
    Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

    Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

    Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
    A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...