Abstract
Introduction. The study of adaptive capacities is a highly relevant issue, particularly as the Ukrainian population has been exposed to adverse, multifactorial stressors caused by the ongoing war.
Aim: To investigate the associations between adaptive potential, functional reserves of the cardiovascular system, autonomic background, stress levels, sleep quality, and physical activity in young individuals experiencing prolonged war-induced stress.
Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 230 healthy first- to third-year students at Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires assessing perceived stress (PSS-14), anxiety and depression (HADS), sleep quality (PSQI), and physical activity (IPAQ). Individual physiological parameters were measured, including cardiovascular and respiratory indices based on anthropometric data.
Results. Half of the respondents exhibited sympathetic predominance, as indicated by the Kerdo index, and low cardiovascular reserves. Positive correlations were found between adaptive potential and the Robinson index, between the Kerdo index and both the Robinson index and sleep quality, and between the Kerdo index and perceived stress. These findings suggest that prolonged sympathetic overactivity impairs cardiovascular reserves, worsens adaptation, and contributes to psychoemotional and sleep disorders, ultimately reducing quality of life and predisposing to disease.
Conclusions. Young adults exposed to prolonged stress during wartime exhibit strained adaptation mechanisms, unfavorable autonomic responses, and reduced cardiovascular reserve.