Related Experiment Videos
Lorry drivers' work stress evaluated by catecholamines excreted in urine
A J van der Beek1, T F Meijman, M H Frings-Dresen
1Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Lorry drivers exhibit elevated adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion, indicating work stress. Physical workload during loading/unloading significantly impacts noradrenaline levels, suggesting sustained activation from job demands.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychophysiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Work-related stress is a significant concern for professional drivers.
- Measuring catecholamine excretion (adrenaline and noradrenaline) offers an objective biomarker for stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess work stress in lorry drivers via urinary catecholamine levels.
- To identify workplace factors associated with adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion rates.
Main Methods:
- Studied urinary adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion in 32 lorry drivers over a working day and a rest day.
- Collected six urine samples per driver on each of the two days.
- Employed hierarchical multiple regression analyses to correlate excretion rates with working situation factors.
Main Results:
- Both adrenaline and noradrenaline excretion were higher on the working day compared to the rest day.
- Adrenaline excretion linked to rest day levels, age, and psychosomatic complaints.
- Noradrenaline excretion correlated with body mass index and physical workload during loading/unloading.
Conclusions:
- Lorry drivers showed higher catecholamine excretion than previously reported, with inadequate recovery post-work.
- Physical workload was the primary identified stressor linked to noradrenaline excretion.
- Drivers displayed sustained sympathoadrenal medullary activation in response to daily work demands.