Autonomic Nervous System Responses Research Articles

Women Emotional, Cognitive and Physiological Modes of Coping with Daily Urban Environments: A Pilot Study.

Studies on the effect of urban environments on human risk to health and well-being tend to focus on either physiological or cognitive and emotional effects. For each of these effects, several indicators have been proposed. They are determined either by a physiological-emotional theory or by a cognitive theory of direct attention. However, the interrelationships between these indices have not been thoroughly investigated in environmental contexts. Recently, a neuro-visceral model that incorporates all three aspects has been proposed. The present article focuses on understanding the mechanism of coping with urban environments. More specifically, we analyze the interrelations among nine of the more commonly used indices that represent the physiological, emotional and cognitive aspects of coping with urban environments. The data were collected in the following four environments: home, park, city center and residential area. The participants were 72 healthy, middle-class mothers with either high school or postgraduate education. They wherein their fertile age (20–35) with average Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.2 and S.D. of 0.8 (48 Arab Muslims and 24 Jewish). They were recruited in a snowball method. Path analysis and principal component analysis are used in order to identify the interrelations among the physiological, cognitive and emotional indices and the directions of these interrelations. According to the findings, the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), as measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and primarily the parasympathetic tone (High frequency-HF) is the pivotal mechanism that modulates emotional and cognitive responses to environmental nuisances. The ANS response precedes and may trigger the emotional and the cognitive responses, which are only partially interrelated. It appears that the autonomic balance measured by Standard Deviation of NN interval (SDNN) and HF, the cognitive index of restoration and the emotional indices of discomfort and relaxation are closely interrelated. These seemingly disparate operands work together to form a comprehensive underlying network that apparently causes stress and risk to health in urban environments while restoring health in green environments.

Autonomic Nervous System Indices of Player Readiness During Elite-Level Rugby Union Game-Week Microcycles.

Grainger, A, Heffernan, S, Waldron, M, and Sawczuk, T. Autonomic nervous system indices of player readiness during elite-level rugby union game-week microcycles. J Strength Cond Res 36(11): 3173-3178, 2022-Elite-level rugby union (RU) is a high-intensity contact sport that involves large training and match volumes across a season, which can lead to postmatch fatigue. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation and perceived fatigue have been suggested to relate to measures of training and match load in RU. However, there have been no studies to assess specific ANS variables in elite RU during in-season microcycles. Player readiness during game-week microcycles was measured via heart rate variability (HRV) indices, direct current potential and self-reported well-being among 13, elite, male RU players. To enable comparison, data collection days were categorized in relation to their proximity to match day, ranging from match day minus 3 (MD - 3), to match day plus 3 (MD + 3). Differences between match days were evaluated using general linear models and Cohen's d effect sizes. There were significant differences between MD and MD + 1 for ANS indices (RMSSD p = 0.04, d = -0.66, 95% CI 0.11-1.20; the standard deviation of NN intervals p = 0.04, d = -0.66, 95% CI 0.12-1.20; total power p = 0.05, d = -0.65, 95% CI 0.11-1.20) and wellness measures (readiness p = 0.18; d = -2.33, 95% CI, 1.54-3.13; energy p = 0.02; d = -2.24, 95% CI 1.44-3.03; soreness p = 0.00; d = -2.42, 95% CI 1.63-3.23). Match day plus 3 effects were significantly greater than MD + 1 in several ANS responses, with wellness recovering at a slower time-course than ANS responses. Measures of HRV are dysregulated postmatch, but based on their rapid recovery thereafter, using HRV to assess readiness of elite-level players in RU across a weekly microcycle could be limited and requires further investigation.

The practice of ontogenetically determined movements of standing up among children and adolescents at the Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation as a preventive measure for orthostatic hypotension

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires a long hospitalization during which patients have to stay in transplantation wards, mainly in their single isolation rooms. One of the main goals of rehabilitation for HSCT patients is to prevent physical activity deficit by the introduction of an appropriate exercise programme and the monitoring of exercise adherence. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the prescribed exercise programme based on basic locomotor patterns to prevent physical activity deficit. The interim results of the prospective randomized controlled study included data from 20 patients. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the 1Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology of Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation. An experimental group included 11 patients aged 8–16 years old (the median age was 12 years old); a control group included 9 patients aged 5–11 years old (the median age was 8 years old). Patients from the experimental group were preliminarily taught a set of exercises aimed at practicing ontogenically determined standing up which they should further perform during a day in their isolation rooms. The control group patients received recommendations on how to maintain physical activity in their isolation rooms. Their physical activity during a day was then monitored by the researchers. All study subjects underwent an orthoclinostatic test (i.e., transition from lying to standing and back) for the evaluation of the autonomic nervous system function on Day 1 of pre-transplant conditioning therapy and at the time of discharge from the HSCT Department. During the entire stay at the HSCT Department, the patients from both groups were daily assessed using the ADL (activities of daily living) scale. At the time of discharge from the HSCT Department, the experimental group patients showed more adaptive autonomic nervous system responses than the control group patients. Our interim analysis showed that the patients from the experimental group had higher scores of activities of daily living than the control patients. Orthoclinostatic test results confirmed that patients undergoing HSCT for acute leukemia were predisposed to develop maladaptive conditions or even orthostatic hypotension. A set of exercises including those for the training of ontogenetically determined process of standing up was shown to be an effective tool for the prevention of insufficient autonomic nervous system responses. Even a short (30 min) face-to-face session with a physical therapist significantly increased a patient's daily physical activity.

The association between cortisol-AA coordination in response to stress, negative urgency, and antisocial behavior in an urban adult sample

Prior study has found that the interplay of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influences behavior problems in youth. Yet, little is known regarding this relationship in adults and traits related to the coordination of the stress systems. This study aims to extend the findings of a youth sample that the coordination between HPA and ANS, measured as cortisol and alpha-amylase (AA) respectively, was associated with antisocial behavior in adults. Additionally, this study tests whether cortisol-AA coordination was associated with a conceptually relevant trait, negative urgency. A heterogeneous sample of 124 adults (college students, active offenders, and demographically matched controls) was recruited from a southern city. Participants filled out instruments for negative urgency and antisocial behavior, completed a modified Trier Social Stress Test (mTSST), and provided four saliva samples before and after mTSST to assay for cortisol and AA. Results showed that cortisol-AA stress coordination was stronger among offenders than other groups. Cortisol-AA stress coordination was also positively associated with antisocial behavior and with negative urgency. This study found support for the interpretation that cortisol-AA stress coordination may indicate an overshooting ANS response at high emotional distress, and highlight the importance of the multisystem approach in gaining new insights into behavior research.

The effect of regular physical training on heart rate variability in healthy male volunteers

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The autonomic nervous system's responses are reflected in heart rate variability (HRV). They have a significant role in accompanying the training process, however, assessment of long-term daily HRV indices dynamics is not widely used in sports cardiology. Purpose To determine if there are variations in long-term responses of autonomic regulation of cardiac activity to regular systematic training. Methods In this prospective study, we included 28 healthy men aged 18-19 years who had a repeated 24-hour Ambulatory ECG monitoring between February 2018 and December 2019 (Figure 1). The subjects were in similar working and living conditions. The training regimen consisted of moderate to vigorous physical activity for 270 (SD 40) minutes per week (total 100 weeks of follow-up). The subjects were divided into groups according to the median of changes in assessment results for various types of physical training (Table 1): with the maximum and minimum positive dynamics of physical fitness in endurance (3000m race), speed (100m race), strength (pull-ups on the horizontal bar). 24-hour Holter was performed using a wearable ECG device. HRV parameters at the beginning and at the end of the study in groups with the maximum positive physical fitness dynamics were compared. To assess HRV, the following daily time-domain indices were used: RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR interval differences), pNN50% (percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms) and SDANN (standard deviation of the averages of the NN intervals in all 5 min segments of the entire recording). Results The initial mean heart rate in groups 1-6 did not differ significantly across repeated heart rate monitoring (Table 1). In group 1, the improvement in endurance exercise performance directly correlated with changes in RMSSD (rs = 0.297, p <0.05) and pNN50% (rs = 0.448, p <0.05). In group 3, increased fitness in short distance running was accompanied by a decrease in the values of the RMSSD (rs = –0.211, p <0.05) and pNN50% (rs = –0.539, p <0.05) and an increase in the values of the SDANN (rs = 0.352, p < 0.05). In group 5, increased fitness in strength exercises was accompanied by a balanced increase in pNN50% (rs = 0.371, p <0.05), RMSSD (rs = 0.347, p <0.05), as well as SDANN (rs = 0.440, p <0,05). In groups 2, 4, 6, there were similar but weaker associations. Conclusion Systematic training is associated with significant changes in the autonomic regulation of heart rate. An increase in fitness in sprint distance running results in a decrease in daily parasympathetic and an increase in sympathetic activity on the heart. Increased fitness in strength exercises is associated with increase in both sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. While an increase in endurance is accompanied by an increase in the activity of the parasympathetic limb of the autonomic nervous system.

Screening for QTc prolongation during acute exercise in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) of the Canadian Institutes ofHealth Research (CIHR), C17 Council Background Anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) survivors. Electrophysiologic complications and cardiac autonomic dysfunction are both known to be developed by childhood ALL survivors. Current methods for detection of cardiotoxicity have limitations, particularly due to their lack of sensitivity for early detection of subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Early detection of cardiac dysfunction remains a cardiologist’s challenge and is essential to allow optimal therapeutic intervention. Purpose This study aimed to observe ventricular repolarization during a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in childhood ALL survivors. We hypothesized that cancer treatments lead to changes in ventricular repolarization that persist over time, and that the use of CPET allows the unmasking of electrophysiological abnormalities. Methods A total of 250 childhood ALL survivors underwent a maximal CPET on an ergocycle, and their direct oxygen uptake was measured. All survivors were monitored continuously during the test using a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Measurements of the QT interval were completed at rest, at the end of each stage of the CPET, and during recovery. The QT interval was defined as the period from the onset of the Q-wave to the end of the T-wave, measured linearly. Values were corrected (QTc) using a specific group equation. To compare the effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on QTc during CPET, participants were divided in two groups according to the median of survivors’ cardiorespiratory fitness (group A: <32.0 mL.kg-1.min-1; group B: ≥32.0 mL.kg-1.min-1). Results All survivors (median age: 21 years, 51.5% male) included in the final analysis (n=200) performed a validated maximal CPET. At rest, the QTc interval was 379.1±32.2ms. None of the participants had a prolonged QTc during exercise (371.5±16.1ms, range 310.7-416.1ms). The mean QTc interval during CPET was not different between groups A and B (370.1±17.6ms and 373.0±14.4ms, p=0.218). Group A had a longer QT interval at low to moderate exercise intensities. During recovery, the QTc interval was 373.4.1±16.2ms. Conclusions Cancer and anthracycline treatments have an impact on the cardiorespiratory system. Low cardiorespiratory fitness in childhood ALL survivors is associated with longer ventricular repolarization during exercise. These differences may be an indicator of altered cardiac function. This shows the importance of studying the response to exercise to improve early cardiac dysfunction detection, as well as documenting the autonomic nervous system response to exercise between survivors with lower and higher physical fitness.

Physiological Responses of Adults during Soil-mixing Activities Based on the Presence of Soil Microorganisms: A Metabolomics Approach

Mycobacterium vaccae is a species of nonpathogenic bacterium that lives naturally in soil. This study compared the physiological effects at a metabolomic level with autonomic nervous system responses in adults during soil-mixing activities, based on the presence or absence of M. vaccae in the soil. Twenty-nine adult participants performed soil-mixing activities for 5 minutes using sterilized soil with culture media and M. vaccae, respectively. Blood samples were drawn twice from each participant after each activity. Electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms were measured during the activity. Serum metabolites underwent metabolite profiling by gas chromatography, followed by multivariate analyses. Soil-emitted volatile organic compounds were identified using the solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, followed by multivariate analyses. The volatile compound analysis revealed that the metabolites related to esters and sulfur-containing compounds are greater in soil with M. vaccae. Serum metabolomics revealed that the treatment group (soil inoculated by M. vaccae) possesses relatively higher levels of inter-alia organic and amino acids compared with the control group (soil mixed with culture media). In the treatment group, the electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram revealed that alpha band activity of the occipital lobe increases, while heart rate decreases. This study concludes that M. vaccae soil contact can affect human metabolic and autonomic reactions.

Stimulation method and individual health index study for real-time cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system reactivity analysis using PPG signal

Homeostasis in a healthy heart is maintained through the interaction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with the cardiovascular system (CS) in response to changes in the environment. However, the problem of the ANS and CS reactivity caused by aging and chronic disease increases the risk of fatal heart disease and negatively affects an individual's health. Therefore, we propose a method and heart rate variability (HRV) index that can continuously monitor the reactivity of ANS and CS in daily life. To analyze real-time changes in ANS and CS of a total of 22 subjects, HRV was induced by changing the posture from a sitting position to a standing position while measuring photoplethysmogram. As a result, it was confirmed that the HRV changed from 0.75 ± 0.11 s to 0.65 ± 0.10 s (P < 0.05) had a change value similar to the method used in clinical. Physiological ANS activity can be confirmed through the standard deviation 1 (SD1) and 2, and ANS activity reflected in CS can be obtained through the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive heartbeat interval differences (RMSSD) analysis. As a result of analyzing the two values, the 5-minute average SD1/RMSSD is identified as an indicator that can confirm the function of the baroreceptors indicative of CS reactivity. In addition, we propose a real-time SDNN as an index that can check the term of the activated ANS in response to a sudden CS change.

Maternal Sensitivity Modulates Child's Parasympathetic Mode and Buffers Sympathetic Activity in a Free Play Situation.

BackgroundBehavioral and physiological (self-)regulation in early life is crucial for the understanding of childhood development and adjustment. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a main player in the regulative system and should therefore be modulated by the quality of interactive behavior of the caregiver. We experimentally investigated the ANS response of 18–36-month-old children in response to the quality of maternal behavior during a mother–child-interacting paradigm.MethodEighty mothers and their children came to our laboratory and took part in an experimental paradigm, consisting of three episodes: a resting phase (E1), a structured play phase (E2), and a free play situation (E3) between mothers and their child. Children’s and mother’s heart rate (HR), the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity via the pre-ejection period (PEP) and the left ventricular ejection time (LVET), and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity via the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were continuously measured by an electrocardiogram. Maternal sensitivity of interactive behavior was assessed by using the Emotional Availability (EA) Scales.ResultsChildren of mothers with insensitive behavior had a significantly lower RSA at baseline, showed a lack of RSA withdrawal during structured and free play, and had shorter LVET across all episodes compared to children of sensitive mothers.ConclusionOur findings depict the influence of low-quality maternal interaction on the child’s ANS regulation, in calm and more stressful play situations. The overall higher SNS mode with impaired PNS reactivity may negatively influence child’s ANS homoeostasis, which may result in a long-term impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Further, the maternal sensitivity may function as a buffer for the stress response of their child. These results could serve as a basis for the development of appropriate psychoeducational programs for mothers of low sensitivity in their interaction with the child.

Monitoring Training Load, Immune-Endocrine, Autonomic Nervous System Responses, and Swimming Performance in Women’s Water Polo

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purposes of the study were to: i) verify the variations in training load and the subsequent effects on swimming performance parameters, biochemical parameters, and autonomic nervous activity during a water polo season; ii) investigate the sensitivity of physiological markers in tracking training load and performance variations, and iii) verify the overreaching prevalence. Method: The training load of 20 female water polo players was monitored (using the session rating of perceived exertion method [sRPE], training monotony, and strain), and the lactate minimum speed (LMS), repeated sprint ability (RSA), plasma hormone and glutamine concentration, salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA), and heart rate variability (lnRMSSD) were evaluated during the season. Result: The training load parameters were higher in the competitive cycle (p ≤ 0.002). The LMS improved only in the general cycle from baseline (p = .015), while the RSA best time improved in the general (p = .002) and specific cycles (p = .012) from baseline and deteriorated in the competitive from general cycle (p = .008). The SIgA secretion rate presented a reduction only in the specific cycle from baseline (p = .032), while the lnRMSSD increased in the general (p = .038) and competitive (p < .001) cycles from baseline. Five athletes were diagnosed as overreaching state. Conclusion: Therefore, the physiological markers (i.e., plasma hormone and glutamine concentration, SIgA, and lnRMSSD) showed little sensitivity to detect changes in training load and swimming performance. The higher training loads applied in the competitive cycle seem to limit swimming performance gains.

Identifying Trends of Dysautonomia Signs and Symptoms Associated with Protracted Concussion Recovery during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Objective: To identify trends of provoked dysautonomia signs and symptoms during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT). Subjects: This is a retrospective cohort study of 101 patient charts post-concussion who were screened for suspected dysautonomia. Methods: Patients with suspected dysautonomia were assessed for exercise intolerance using a BCTT. Symptoms and rate of perceived exertion were recorded on a standardized form. Digital pulse oximetry was used to collect heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation. Descriptive analyses were conducted on BCTT results. Results: Of 101 patient charts, 57 were excluded from analysis, including four patients who completed the BCTT by asymptomatically reaching the target HR zone for their estimated HR max. The remaining 44 patients demonstrated: 35 (79.5%) poor HR stabilization defined as a drop or plateau in HR during exercise, 28 (63.8%) exacerbated concussion symptoms, 13 (29.5%) autonomic nervous system response such as hot flushed sensation, 12 (27.3%) rebound symptoms during recovery phases, and 8 (18.2%) desaturation of 90% or below. The mean delta (80% expected HR max – 80% achieved HR max) on the initial test was 80.66 (± 23.08) beats per minute. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify trends of signs and symptoms during the BCTT in an expanded population with suspected dysautonomia after concussion. Future studies are indicated to validate these findings and contribute to development of modified termination criteria for the BCTT in individuals with suspected dysautonomia associated with protracted concussion recovery.

Identifying Trends of Dysautonomia Signs and Symptoms Associated with Protracted Concussion Recovery during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To identify trends of provoked dysautonomia signs and symptoms during the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT). Subjects: This is a retrospective cohort study of 101 patient charts post-concussion who were screened for suspected dysautonomia. Methods: Patients with suspected dysautonomia were assessed for exercise intolerance using a BCTT. Symptoms and rate of perceived exertion were recorded on a standardized form. Digital pulse oximetry was used to collect heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation. Descriptive analyses were conducted on BCTT results. Results: Of 101 patient charts, 57 were excluded from analysis, including four patients who completed the BCTT by asymptomatically reaching the target HR zone for their estimated HR max. The remaining 44 patients demonstrated: 35 (79.5%) poor HR stabilization defined as a drop or plateau in HR during exercise, 28 (63.8%) exacerbated concussion symptoms, 13 (29.5%) autonomic nervous system response such as hot flushed sensation, 12 (27.3%) rebound symptoms during recovery phases, and 8 (18.2%) desaturation of 90% or below. The mean delta (80% expected HR max – 80% achieved HR max) on the initial test was 80.66 (± 23.08) beats per minute. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify trends of signs and symptoms during the BCTT in an expanded population with suspected dysautonomia after concussion. Future studies are indicated to validate these findings and contribute to development of modified termination criteria for the BCTT in individuals with suspected dysautonomia associated with protracted concussion recovery.

Effect of noise sensitivity on psychophysiological response through monoscopic 360 video and stereoscopic sound environment experience: a randomized control trial

Noise sensitivity is a crucial factor affecting subjective psychophysiological responses to the acoustic environment of various indoor and outdoor spaces. This study examines how noise sensitivity or hyperacusis affects the recovery of emotional and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses when experiencing various monoscopic 360 video and stereoscopic sound environments (urban and natural) that represent the actual environment. A total of 60 general participants with mild depression, stress, and anxiety were examined using a survey to investigate individual characteristics, including noise sensitivity, and K-means clustering was used to classify them into sensitivity groups. Emotional and physiological responses were measured using the Korean edition of Profile of Mood States and by assessing heart rate variability, respectively. Overall, the emotional recovery effect was greater in the natural than the urban environment, and the homeostatic mechanism of the ANS was better maintained, thereby increasing stress resistance. Noise sensitivity did not have considerable effect on psychophysiological recovery in the natural environment, but had a significant effect on emotional response in the urban environment. This can be used as basic data in seeking customized emotional recovery for individuals using monoscopic 360 video and stereoscopic sound technology in the future.

The Effects of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback on HRV Reactivity and Recovery During and After Anger Recall Task for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) often experience anger events before cardiovascular events. Anger is a psychological risk factor and causes underlying psychophysiological mechanisms to lose balance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The heart rate variability (HRV) was the common index for ANS regulation. It has been confirmed that heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) restored ANS balance in patients with CAD during the resting state. However, the effects of HRV-BF during and after the anger event remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the effects of HRV-BF on ANS reactivity and recovery during the anger recall task in patients with CAD. This study was a randomized control trial with a wait-list control group design, with forty patients in the HRV-BF group (for six sessions) and 44 patients in the control group. All patients received five stages of an anger recall task, including baseline, neutral recall task, neutral recovery, anger recall task, and anger recovery. HRV reactivity in the HRV-BF group at the post-test was lower than that in the control group. HRV recovery at the post-test in the HRV-BF group was higher than that in the control group. The HRV-BF reduced ANS reactivity during anger events and increased ANS recovery after anger events for CAD patients. The possible mechanisms of HRV-BF may increase total HRV, ANS regulation, and baroreflex activation at anger events for patients with CAD, and may be a suitable program for cardiac rehabilitation.

Autonomic reactivity to social rejection, peer difficulties, and the buffering effects of adolescent friendships following early psychosocial deprivation.

Autonomic nervous system reactivity has been posited to be a mechanism contributing to social and emotional problems among children exposed to early adversity. Leveraging data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a longitudinal randomized controlled trial of foster care versus institutional care of abandoned children in Romania, we assessed whether altered sympathetic reactivity to peer rejection feedback in early adolescence mediated the relation between early institutional rearing and peer problems in later adolescence. We also assessed whether adolescent friendship quality or randomized placement in foster care early in life moderated these associations. Participants include 68 institutionalized children randomized to care as usual, 68 institutionalized children randomized to foster care, and 135 never-institutionalized children. At age 12, participants reported friendship quality with respect to a best friend and completed a social rejection task while electrocardiogram and impedance cardiography were recorded. Sympathetic nervous system reactivity to rejection feedback was assessed using preejection period (PEP). At ages 12 and 16, peer problems were reported by parents. Mediation analysis revealed that less PEP reactivity to social rejection at age 12 partially mediated the association between early institutionalization and greater peer problems at age 16. Further moderated mediation analysis revealed that this indirect effect was evidenced among previously institutionalized youths with low, but not high, quality friendships. We did not observe foster care intervention effects. These findings suggest that altered sympathetic reactivity to social rejection might be a mechanism linking early institutionalization to social difficulties into adolescence, however, positive adolescent friendships may buffer these effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Влияние однократной процедуры комбинированной микрополяризации на вегетативную регуляцию и сенсорно-моторные реакции

Micropolarization was already proved an effective method for restoring impaired brain functions and improving intracerebral processes in the absence of impairments. Combining stimulation methods is a promising approach: a combination of electrode positioning methods can increase the efficacy of the procedures and find application in various fields, from sports through machinery operation to support of operatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, etc. This study aimed to assess the effect of a single combined micropolarization procedure on the functional state of the autonomic nervous system and sensorimotor reactions of conventionally healthy individuals. It involved 31 people and relied on the methods enabling evaluation of sensorimotor reactions, cardiorhythmography with spectral analysis of heart rate variability and pupillary reflexes assessment. Volunteers underwent the combined micropolarization procedure once, the duration of the procedure was 40 minutes. The most effective combinations were transspinal plus transcranial micropolarization with positioning in the region of premotor cortex (short-term shift of the autonomic balance towards parasympathetic influence by 48.7%; optimization of the pupil recovery function by 26.4%; increase in interference immunity by 32.2%) and "solar" plus transcranial micropolarization in the area of the temporal zone of cerebral cortex (15.8% increase of the orthostatic test transition period ratio; 6.2% deceleration of the visual-motor reaction).

Autonomic Nervous System Response Patterns of Test-Anxious Individuals to Evaluative Stress.

Test anxiety is a widespread and primarily detrimental emotion in learning and achievement settings. This research aimed to explore the autonomic nervous system (ANS) response patterns of test-anxious individuals in response to evaluative stress. By presenting a standard interview task, an evaluative scenario was effectively induced. Heart rate variability (HRV), a biomarker that can accurately reflect the ANS activity, was used to reflect the physiological responses of 48 high test-anxious subjects and 49 low test-anxious subjects. Results indicate that: (1) both groups show a significantly increased emotional arousal in the evaluative scenario; (2) high test-anxious individuals show a significantly decreased emotional pleasantness in the evaluative scenario, whereas low test-anxious individuals show no significant changes; (3) both groups show a significantly increased low-frequency HRV; (4) high test-anxious individuals show a significantly decreased high-frequency HRV and root mean square of successive heartbeat interval differences (RMSSD), whereas low test-anxious individuals remain stable. These findings suggest that high test-anxious individuals display an increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and a decreased parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity in response to evaluative stress, while low-anxious individuals display an increased SNS activity and a stable PNS activity in response to evaluative stress.

Role of Body Mass and Physical Activity in Autonomic Function Modulation on Post-COVID-19 Condition: An Observational Subanalysis of Fit-COVID Study.

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study. A general anamnesis was taken, and BMI and physical activity levels were assessed. The ANS was evaluated through heart rate variability. A total of 57 subjects were evaluated. Sympathetic nervous system activity in the post-COVID-19 group was increased (stress index; p = 0.0273). They also presented lower values of parasympathetic activity (p < 0.05). Overweight/obese subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly lower parasympathetic activity and reduced global variability compared to non-obese in control group (p < 0.05). Physically inactive subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly higher sympathetic activity than active subjects in the control group. Parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in physically active subjects in the control group compared to the physically inactive post-COVID-19 group (p < 0.05). COVID-19 promotes changes in the ANS of young adults, and these changes are modulated by overweight/obesity and physical activity levels.

Autonomic Nervous System Activity During Positive Emotions: A Meta-Analytic Review

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity is a fundamental component of emotional responding. It is not clear, however, whether positive emotional states are associated with differential ANS reactivity. To address this issue, we conducted a meta-analytic review of 120 articles (686 effect sizes, total N = 6,546), measuring ANS activity during 11 elicited positive emotions, namely amusement, attachment love, awe, contentment, craving, excitement, gratitude, joy, nurturant love, pride, and sexual desire. We identified a widely dispersed collection of studies. Univariate results indicated that positive emotions produce no or weak and highly variable increases in ANS reactivity. However, the limitations of work to date – which we discuss – mean that our conclusions should be treated as empirically grounded hypotheses that future research should validate.

Assessing the Effects of Nature on Physiological States Using Wearable Technologies.

Nature therapy and forest bathing (FB) have been shown to have quantifiable positive effects on human health, but the physiological effects of a guided interactive nature activity remain unexplored. Autonomic nervous system responses to a guided nature walk (Nature Break) were assessed through the continuous measurement of the electrodermal activity (EDA), fingertip temperature, and heart rate (HR) of n = 48 participants, using a wearable sensor. Psychological distress was assessed before and after the activity using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) for n = 38 (24 females, 14 males, mean age = 43.55 ± 11.61 years) participants. The negative dimensions of POMS decreased and the positive (vigor) dimensions increased following a Nature Break. Significant differences were found across all of the physiological features, with some differences occurring between the morning and afternoon groups and between different days. The participants’ mean HR decreased throughout the Nature Break. Our results suggest that interactive nature activities have positive psychological benefits and demonstrate the feasibility of using wearable sensors to monitor physiological responses in a naturalistic forest bathing activity.