Assessment of examination stress and its outcome on visual reaction time and hand grip dynamometer endurance in undergraduate medical students

Background: A stressor is a change in the personal event or an environment that can cause stress. The examinations in the medical colleges are often exhaustive and stressful for students. Stressful feelings can alter the performance of the students. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to identify the examination stress in students and the effect of stress on visual reaction time (VRT) and hand grip dynamometer endurance (HGDE). Materials and Methods: Thirty undergraduate medical students were enrolled for the study. The stress levels were recorded with STAI-A questionnaire during the routine schedule and during the terminal examinations. VRT and HGDE were also recorded in the same situations. The results were analyzed statistically with paired t-test and Wilcoxon sign-rank test. Results: The mean values of VRT and STAI score during examinations have increased as compared to normal routine schedule without examinations. The difference is highly significant statistically. There is no significant difference observed in the values of HGDE measured in normal routine schedule and during examination stress. Conclusion: It has been concluded that students experience stress with examinations and increased VRT suggests the increase in processing ability which will decrease the performance of the students. Necessary measures to reduce the stress levels such as yoga, meditation, and counseling should be done.