Department of Kinesiology, 121 McCarthy Gymnasium, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
Biol Psychol. 2011 Apr;87(1):152-60. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.02.024. Epub 2011 Mar 5.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of concurrent physical and mental challenge on stress hormones and indicators of vascular function in firefighters. Twelve professional firefighters exercised at 60% VO(2max) while participating in a computerized Fire Strategies and Tactics Drill (FSTD-fire strategies condition [FSC]), and again at the same intensity without the mental challenge (EAC). No differences in the amount of work performed between conditions existed, although the FSC resulted in greater perceptions of overall workload. Epinephrine and norepinephrine demonstrated significant interaction effects with elevated levels during the FSC. Cortisol responses were significantly elevated across time and for the FSC. Positive correlations were found between cortisol and interleukin-6, endothelin-1, and thromboxane-B(2), and a negative correlation between interleukin-6 and thromboxane-B(2). These results suggest that concurrent challenges results in exacerbated responses of stress hormones and suggests mechanisms that could contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular events among firefighters.
本研究旨在探讨同时面临身体和心理挑战对消防员应激激素和血管功能指标的影响。12 名专业消防员在进行电脑化的消防策略和战术训练（消防策略条件[FSC]）时以 60%VO2max 的强度进行运动，然后在没有心理挑战的情况下（EAC）以同样的强度再次进行运动。尽管 FSC 导致整体工作量的感知更大，但两种条件下的工作量没有差异。肾上腺素和去甲肾上腺素表现出显著的交互作用，在 FSC 期间水平升高。皮质醇反应随时间和 FSC 显著升高。皮质醇与白细胞介素-6、内皮素-1 和血栓素 B2 呈正相关，白细胞介素-6 与血栓素 B2 呈负相关。这些结果表明，同时面临挑战会导致应激激素反应加剧，并提示可能导致消防员心血管事件高发的机制。
