Standard Deviation Of The NN Intervals Research Articles

Improvement of heart rate variability after metabolic bariatric surgery in Korean subjects with obesity.

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a chronic complication of diabetes. As obesity is a major risk factor for CAN, we hypothesized that metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) could improve CAN indices in Korean patients with obesity. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery between February 2020 and June 2022 were prospectively recruited. CAN was conducted once before surgery and again after surgery, using the Ewing method and heart rate variability (HRV) analysis (standard deviation of the NN interval [SDNN], root mean square of successive RR interval difference [RMSSD], and spectral analysis). A total of 47 patients were included. The mean age was 39.8 ± 8.7 years, 15 (31.9%) were male, and 26 (55.3%) had diabetes. Resting HR before surgery was 81.0 ± 12.3 bpm, which decreased significantly to 68.0 ± 9.3 bpm after surgery (P < 0.001). Changes in HR and BP according to the Valsalva maneuver, postural changes, and handgrip were not significantly different before and after surgery. However, SDNN significantly increased from 25.2 [15.1, 33.5] to 38.0 [25.4, 45.0] ms (P < 0.001), and RMSSD also significantly increased from 17.0 [9.2, 31.8] to 28.2 [15.3, 45.6] ms (P = 0.001). Both low-frequency power (LF) and high-frequency power (HF) increased significantly, and the LF/HF ratio significantly decreased from 2.1 ± 1.6 to 1.3 ± 1.3 (P = 0.010). Loss of weight, fat mass, and lean body mass were independently associated with improving the HRV variables. MBS improved HRV variables, and these changes were mainly associated with postoperative weight loss.

Influence of shift work on sleep quality and circadian patterns of heart rate variability among nurses.

Shift work implementation is essential for providing continuous patient care in hospitals. However, working in shifts on a routine basis may disrupt the circadian pattern and alter the sleep-wakefulness cycle in nurses. Stress due to shift work can influence the adaptability of the cardiovascular system, produce psychophysiological strain and deteriorate work performance in female nurses. This study investigated the effect of morning and night shift work on sleep quality and circadian patterns governing heart rate variability (HRV) in female nurses working in a tertiary care hospital. Thirty-eight healthy female nurses were recruited. Frequency and time domain parameters of HRV were recorded as markers of cardiac autonomic function. A student t-test was used to investigate differences in HRV between morning and night shift workers. Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was applied for the difference between Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores in the two groups. Standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) (msec), total power (ms2) and high-frequency (HF) band power (ms2) were significantly reduced in night shift nurses than in morning shift nurses. The low-frequency (LF)/HF ratio was significantly increased in night shift nurses. The differences in standard deviation of the averages of NN intervals (SDaNN) (msec), root mean square of successive differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD), mean NN, very low-frequency (VLF) band power (ms2) and LF band power (ms2) were not statistically significant. The global PSQI score was significantly higher among night shift workers than in morning shifts. Inadequate sleep can disrupt the body's ability to regulate heart rhythm and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. The research suggests a propensity for autonomic imbalance in night shift workers when compared to their counterparts on morning shifts.

Analysis of drivers’ mental workload in V-shaped undersea tunnels based on heart rate variability

To explore the effects of illumination and tunnel longitudinal slope on driving safety in V-shaped undersea tunnels, we conducted a study to analyze changes in drivers’ mental workload caused by Illumination and longitudinal slope variations within the tunnel through field data. The typical V-shaped undersea tunnel crossing Jiaozhou Bay in Qingdao, China, was selected. Thirty drivers were recruited to participate in the driving tests during off-peak hours and 120 sets of electrocardiographic (ECG) signals were collected from drivers under natural driving conditions. The standard deviation of the Normal-to-Normal intervals (SDNN) was used and an outlier test was performed using the box plot. The drivers’ SDNN was used to index drivers’ mental workload under different Illumination and longitudinal slope conditions in the V-shaped undersea tunnel. A model was established to quantify the relationships of illumination and longitudinal slope with the SDNN. The results showed a significant negative correlation between the illumination change rate and the SDNN, i.e., the greater the change rate of illumination was, the smaller the SDNN was (and the greater the mental workload was). While the mental workload of drivers varied on tunnel longitudinal slope compared with illumination. With increased steepness of longitudinal slopes, the driver’s SDNN value decreased, but the SDNN of drivers in the downhill section were smaller than SDNN in the uphill section, reflecting a greater mental workload. Finally, a proposed value interval for the combined design of illumination and slope in undersea tunnels is given in the context of drivers’ mental workload variations.

Abstract P196: The Effects of Initiating a 24-hour Fast With a Low versus a High Carbohydrate Protein Shake on Heart Rate Variability in the Elderly

Introduction: While multiple studies demonstrate the potential cardiovascular benefits of fasting, the effects of the fast-initiating meal have not been evaluated. The aim of this secondary analysis was to examine the effects of the macronutrient composition of a fast-initiating meal on the autonomic nervous system through measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) in older, sedentary adults with abdominal obesity. Methods: Using a crossover design, each of the 24 participants (13 male, 11 female) completed two 24-hour fasts (8:00 am to 8:00 am) separated by 6-10 days. Participants were 59.54 ± 6.67 years old and had a body mass index of 31.59 ± 5.59 kg/m 2 . Each fast was initiated with either a low carbohydrate protein shake or an isocaloric and isovolumetric high carbohydrate protein shake (592.13 ± 104.57 kcal). Heart rate variability was measured for 10 minutes immediately prior to, one hour after, and then 24 hours after shake consumption. Results: A mixed effects model with repeated measures was used to assess the effects of the fasting conditions on various HRV outcomes. The sympathetic (SNS) index increased significantly over the time of each fast (p = 0.0033), but was not different between conditions (p = 0.7229). The parasympathetic PNS index experienced no change over time (p = 0.1521) and no change between conditions (p = 0.8961). The stress index increased over time (p = 0.0021), but was not different between conditions (p = 0.7308). There was no difference in standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) or root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD) over time (p = 0.2022 and p = 0.2770, respectively) or between condition (p = 0.9054 and p = 0.9857, respectively). The High Frequency (HF) reading was elevated in the high-carbohydrate condition compared to the low-carbohydrate condition (p &lt; 0.0001), and the low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio showed no difference between conditions (p = 0.3460), but increased over time (p = 0.0044) and demonstrated a time by condition interaction (p = 0.0089). Conclusions: Acute fasting places strain on the cardiometabolic systems as evident by the increased SNS index and stress index as well as the increase in LF/HF ratio over the course of both fasts. A low carbohydrate shake reduced HF readings, indicating more anxiety or panic in this condition. These results agree with previous works and are unique in demonstrating that most HRV parameters are neither strengthened nor weakened by the composition of the pre-fast meal.

Stress Control in Older People through Healing Garden Activities.

This study, conducted on a group older than 60-years-of-age, sought to verify if healing garden activities control stress in older people. The experimental group performed garden activities once a week for 12 weeks, for 2 h each day, and the control group continued their daily lives. Each group's cumulative stress at the beginning and end, along with total power (TP), the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN), and the root mean square differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), were measured using u-Bio MACPA, a stress index meter. The analysis showed that the experimental group had a statistically significant decrease in cumulative stress, compared to the control group; and also that TP significantly increased, compared to the control group. The SDNN and RMSSD of the experimental group increased, and decreased in the control group, but the changes were not statistically significant. The fact that cumulative stress decreased and stress evaluation indicators increased shows that daily stress can be controlled through healing garden activities. However, due to the small number of participants in the experiment, its ability to be generalized to all elderly people is subject to a number of limitations. Nevertheless, I think it is meaningful that the finding that garden activities are significant in mediating stress in the elderly was verified using a scientific measurement instrument. Future studies should explore the healing effectiveness of gardens in other age groups.

Tracking Cancer: Exploring Heart Rate Variability Patterns by Cancer Location and Progression.

Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is an autonomic nervous system (ANS) response that may indicate dysfunction in the human body. Consistent evidence shows cancer patients elicit lower HRV; however, only select cancer locations were previously evaluated. Thus, the aim of the current study was to explore HRV patterns in patients diagnosed with and in varying stages of the most prevalent cancers. At a single tertiary academic medical center, 798 patients were recruited. HRV was measured via an armband monitor (Warfighter MonitorTM, Tiger Tech Solutions, Inc., Miami, FL, USA) equipped with electrocardiographic capabilities and was recorded for 5 to 7 min with patients seated in an upright position. Three time-domain metrics were calculated: SDNN (standard deviation of the NN interval), rMSSD (the root mean square of successive differences of NN intervals), and the percentage of time in which the change in successive NN intervals exceeds 50ms within a measurement (pNN50). Of the 798 patients, 399 were diagnosed with cancer. Cancer diagnoses were obtained via medical records one week following the measurement. Analysis of variance models were performed comparing the HRV patterns between different cancers, cancer stages (I-IV), and demographic strata. A total of 85% of the cancer patients had breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or respiratory cancer. The cancer patients were compared to a control non-cancer patient population with similar patient size and distributions for sex, age, body mass index, and co-morbidities. For all HRV metrics, non-cancer patients exhibited significantly higher rMSSDs (11.1 to 13.9 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNNs (22.8 to 27.7 ms, p < 0.0001), and pNN50s (6.2 to 8.1%, p < 0.0001) compared to stage I or II cancer patients. This significant trend was consistently observed across each cancer location. Similarly, compared to patients with stage III or IV cancer, non-cancer patients possessed lower HRs (-11.8 to -14.0 bpm, p < 0.0001) and higher rMSSDs (+31.7 to +32.8 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNNs (+45.2 to +45.8 ms), p < 0.0001, and pNN50s (19.2 to 21.6%, p < 0.0001). The HR and HRV patterns observed did not significantly differ between cancer locations (p = 0.96 to 1.00). The depressed HRVs observed uniformly across the most prevalent cancer locations and stages appeared to occur independent of patients' co-morbidities. This finding highlights the potentially effective use of HRV as a non-invasive tool for determining common cancer locations and their respective stages. More studies are needed to delineate the HRV patterns across different ages, between sexes and race/ethnic groups.

Heart Rate Variability as a Predictor of +Gz Tolerance During the High-G Selective Test.

INTRODUCTION: Preselection of pilot candidates in the military is critical and determines the quality of subsequent selection. The Aero Medical Institute in Belgrade uses the following centrifuge endpoints: peripheral vision loss, heart rate above 180 bpm, cardiac arrhythmias, and G-induced loss of consciousness to assess relaxed +Gz tolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate heart rate variability (HRV) associated with cardiovascular adaptability to different types of stress as a predictor of +Gz tolerance.METHODS: Thirty-six candidates were exposed to centrifuge runs, consisting of the following +Gz-acceleration phases: a 2-G plateau followed by an increase to 5.5 G, a decrease to 2 G, and ending with a plateau. Time-domain HRV indices were calculated for candidates, for a 60-s 2-G plateau, and for the entire test. The correlation was made between the groups that did (Group 1) and did not meet the criteria (Group 2).RESULTS: The results show significantly lower values in all time domain HRV indices, namely standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences, in Group 2. Mean SDNN values were 45.98 ± 24.80 ms (2-G plateau) and 109.99 ± 39.64 ms (entire test) in Group 1, while the SDNN were 22.99 ± 12.04 ms and 69.70 ± 33.45 ms in Group 2. Root mean square of successive differences was higher in Group 1 for the 2-G plateau and for the entire test.DISCUSSION: The results suggest that HRV is positively correlated with +Gz-tolerance and can be used as an additional selection tool for military aircrew.Bacevic N, Ninkovic M, Drvendzija M, Vidakovic J, Bacevic M, Stepanic P. Heart rate variability as a predictor of +Gz tolerance during the high-G selective test. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(2):93-100.

Does Osteopathic Heart-Focused Palpation Modify Heart Rate Variability in Stressed Participants with Musculoskeletal Pain? A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study.

Heart rate variability (HRV) describes fluctuations in time intervals between heartbeats and reflects autonomic activity. HRV is reduced in stressed patients with musculoskeletal pain and improved after osteopathic manipulative treatment and mind-body interventions. Heart-focused palpation (HFP) combines manual and mind-body approaches to facilitate relaxation. This randomised controlled pilot study investigated the feasibility and sample size for a future randomised controlled trial and the effect of a single treatment with HFP or sham HFP (SHAM) on short-term HRV. A total of Thirty-three adults (47.7 ± 13.5 years old) with stress and musculoskeletal pain completed the trial with acceptable rates of recruitment (8.25 subjects per site/month), retention (100%), adherence (100%), and adverse events (0%). HFP (n = 18), but not SHAM (n = 15), significantly increased the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (p = 0.036), standard deviation of the NN intervals (p = 0.009), and ratio of the low-frequency to high-frequency power band (p = 0.026). HFP and SHAM significantly decreased the heart rate (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) but not the stress index and ratio of the Poincaré plot standard deviation along and perpendicular to the line of identity (p > 0.05). A power analysis calculated 72 participants. Taken together, the study was feasible and HFP improved HRV in stressed subjects with musculoskeletal pain, suggesting a parasympathetic effect.

Exposures to Elevated Core Temperatures during Football Training: The Impact on Autonomic Nervous System Recovery and Function.

Exercising with elevated core temperatures may negatively affect autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Additionally, longer training duration under higher core temperatures may augment these negative effects. This study evaluated the relationship between exercise training duration and 24 h ANS recovery and function at ≥37 °C, ≥38 °C and ≥39 °C core temperature thresholds in a sample of male Division I (D1) collegiate American football athletes. Fifty athletes were followed over their 25-week season. Using armband monitors (Warfighter MonitorTM, Tiger Tech Solutions, Inc., Miami, FL, USA), core temperature (°C) and 24 h post-exercise baseline heart rate (HR), HR recovery and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured. For HRV, two time-domain indices were measured: the root mean square of the standard deviation of the NN interval (rMSSD) and the standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN). Linear regression models were performed to evaluate the associations between exercise training duration and ANS recovery (baseline HR and HRV) and function (HR recovery) at ≥37 °C, ≥38 °C and ≥39 °C core temperature thresholds. On average, the athletes were 21.3 (± 1.4) years old, weighed 103.0 (±20.2) kg and had a body fat percentage of 15.4% (±7.8%, 3.0% to 36.0%). The duration of training sessions was, on average, 161.1 (±40.6) min and they ranged from 90.1 to 339.6 min. Statistically significant associations between training duration and 24 h ANS recovery and function were observed at both the ≥38.0 °C (baseline HR: β = 0.10 ± 0.02, R2 = 0.26, p < 0.0000; HR recovery: β = -0.06 ± 0.02, R2 = 0.21, p = 0.0002; rMSSD: β = -0.11 ± 0.02, R2 = 0.24, p < 0.0000; and SDNN: β = -0.16 ± 0.04, R2 = 0.22, p < 0.0000) and ≥39.0 °C thresholds (β = 0.39 ± 0.05, R2 = 0.62, p < 0.0000; HR recovery: β = -0.26 ± 0.04, R2 = 0.52, p < 0.0000; rMSSD: β = -0.37 ± 0.05, R2 = 0.58, p < 0.0000; and SDNN: β = -0.67 ± 0.09, R2 = 0.59, p < 0.0000). With increasing core temperatures, increases in slope steepness and strengths of the associations were observed, indicating accelerated ANS deterioration. These findings demonstrate that exercise training under elevated core temperatures (≥38 °C) may negatively influence ANS recovery and function 24 h post exercise and progressively worsen.

Internal or External Training Load Metrics: Which Is Best for Tracking Autonomic Nervous System Recovery and Function in Collegiate American Football?

Sport coaches increasingly rely on external load metrics for designing effective training programs. However, their accuracy in estimating internal load is inconsistent, and their ability to predict autonomic nervous system (ANS) deterioration is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between internal and external training load metrics and ANS recovery and function in college football players. Football athletes were recruited from a D1 college in the southeastern US and prospectively followed for 27 weeks. Internal load was estimated via exercise cardiac load (ECL; average training heartrate (HR) × session duration) and measured with an armband monitor equipped with electrocardiographic capabilities (Warfighter MonitorTM (WFM), Tiger Tech Solutions, Miami, FL, USA). External load was estimated via the summation and rate of acceleration and decelerations as measured by a triaxial accelerometer using the WFM and an accelerometer-based (ACCEL) device (Catapult Player Load, Catapult Sports, Melbourne, Australia) worn on the mid-upper back. Baseline HR, HR variability (HRV) and HR recovery served as the indicators for ANS recovery and function, respectively. For HRV, two, time-domain metrics were measured: the standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN) and root mean square of the standard deviation of the NN interval (rMSSD). Linear regression models evaluated the associations between ECL, ACCEL, and the indicators of ANS recovery and function acutely (24 h) and cumulatively (one- and two-week). Athletes (n = 71) were male and, on average, 21.3 ± 1.4 years of age. Acute ECL elicited stronger associations for 24 h baseline HR (R2 0.19 vs. 0.03), HR recovery (R2 0.38 vs. 0.07), SDNN (R2 0.19 vs. 0.02) and rMSSD (R2 0.19 vs. 0.02) compared to ACCEL. Similar results were found for one-week: 24 h baseline HR (R2 0.48 vs. 0.05), HR recovery (R2 0.55 vs. 0.05), SDNN (R2 0.47 vs. 0.05) and rMSSD (R2 0.47 vs. 0.05) and two-week cumulative exposures: 24 h baseline HR (R2 0.52 vs. 0.003), HR recovery (R2 0.57 vs. 0.05), SDNN (R2 0.52 vs. 0.003) and rMSSD (R2 0.52 vs. 0.002). Lastly, the ACCEL devices weakly correlated with ECL (rho = 0.47 and 0.43, p < 0.005). Our findings demonstrate that ACCEL poorly predicted ANS deterioration and underestimated internal training load. ACCEL devices may "miss" the finite window for preventing ANS deterioration by potentially misestimating training loads acutely and cumulatively.

The effects of relaxation techniques following acute, high intensity football training on parasympathetic reactivation

BackgroundEvidence shows relaxation techniques reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) following physiological stressors such as exercise. As such, these techniques may be useful following exercise training of high intensity sports, like collegiate football.PurposeTo evaluate the impact of mindfulness and rest activities on PNS reactivation following training sessions, in a sample of Division-I collegiate, male football athletes.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional, pre-post experimental design among 38 football athletes. Following three training sessions, each separated by one week, athletes were exposed to three groups: mindfulness, rest, and no-intervention. Athletes in the mindfulness group laid supine in a darkened room, while performing 15 min of guided breathing and body scans. The rest group remained seated in a lighted room, performing 15 min of restful activities (e.g., talking). The no-intervention group was instructed to perform usual post-training activities (e.g., showering). Heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and two HR variability (HRV) indices were measured via an armband monitor (Warfighter Monitor, Tiger Tech Solutions, Inc, Miami, FL) equipped with electrocardiographic and photoplethysmography capabilities. HRV indices included standard deviation of the N-N intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD). Within and between-group differences were determined via analysis of variance (ANOVA) and corrected for multiple comparisons familywise error.ResultsStatistically significant reductions in HR and RR were observed across all groups: −81.6, −66.4, −40.9 bpm and −31.7, −26.9, and −19.0 breaths⋅min−1, respectively. The mindfulness and rest groups exhibited a larger within-group reduction in HR and RR compared to the no-intervention group, p &amp;lt; 0.0000. Additionally, the mindfulness group showed a larger reduction in HR and RR compared to the rest group, p &amp;lt; 0.05. Post-intervention HR and RRs were significantly lower in the mindfulness group relative to the no-intervention group (77.0 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively). Similar results were observed for RR (15.0 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and HRV indices (SDNN: 46.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 17.9 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) Athletes in the rest group showed significantly lower post-intervention HR (−30.2 bpm, 89.9 vs. 120.1 bpm, respectively), RR (−4.3 breaths⋅min−1, 19.3 vs. 23.6 breaths⋅min−1, respectively) and significantly higher HRV (SDNN: 42.9 vs. 33.1 ms and rMSSD: 16.7 vs. 13.8 ms, respectively) compared to their no-intervention counterparts.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that athletes engaging in either 15-minute guided mindfulness or rest activities (e.g., sitting) post training, may facilitate PNS reactivation. Implementing these strategies may accelerate recovery, improving performance. Longitudinal, randomized controlled trials among diverse sports are encouraged.

Autonomic nervous system activity in response to stress and cardiac coherence breathing exercise depending on body composition differences

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of stress and cardiac coherence breathing exercises on psychological and psychophysiological responses, and also determined whether these effects differed depending on body composition. The study participants included 33 individuals with a favourable body composition in the fit group and 25 individuals with a less favourable body composition in the unfit group. Before the experiment, the participants completed psychological questionnaires to determine psychological differences at baseline. We recorded an electrocardiogram to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) for five minutes under three conditions: rest, an arithmetic task to induce stress, and a breathing exercise. This was followed by measurements of stress, anxiety, relaxation, and confidence using the visual analogue scale. Baseline analyses revealed that the fit group had lower depression, state and trait anxiety, and stress levels than the unfit group. The HRV indices of the standard deviation of the N-N interval (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD) decreased during the arithmetic task with increased stress and heart rate. In contrast, the breathing exercise increased SDNN, RMSSD, total power, and low-frequency power, reduced anxiety and stress, and increased relaxation and confidence. The stress condition and breathing exercise affected the groups differently. The fit group demonstrated a more significant increase in sympathetic activity during stress situations, followed by a greater increase in parasympathetic activity and recovery from stress during the breathing exercise. These findings illustrate that individuals with a more favourable body composition may have greater autonomic nervous system adaptability.

Pilot study shows skin-to-skin care with parents improves heart rate variability in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Skin-to-skin care in the newborn intensive care unit typically lasts for short periods of time and enhances breastfeeding, attachment, and parental self-esteem. Heart rate variability (HRV) increases with gestational age and is a measure of maturation of parasympathetic vs. sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. HRV measurements may be useful in capturing changes in autonomic regulation in response to skin-to-skin care. To analyze the effects of skin-to-skin care on HRV in preterm infants receiving respiratory support. We hypothesized that skin-to-skin care would result in a more mature pattern of parasympathetic activity. In this prospective crossover study, infants <30 weeks' gestation and 1-6 weeks postnatal age had HRV recorded for 30 min before, during, and after skin-to-skin care sessions. HRV characteristics analyzed included the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN), the root mean squared of successive differences of normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), and the standard deviation of decelerations (SDDec). 10 infants between 25 5/7-29 6/7 weeks gestational age and 7-41 days postnatal age completed 22 sessions while receiving respiratory support (positive pressure ventilation or nasal cannula oxygen). Two measures of HRV (SDNN and RMSSD) were significantly decreased by the end of the skin-to-skin sessions, compared to pre-session values. SDNN decreased from a median of 10.44 ms before the session to 6.70 ms after being placed back in bed (p < 0.05), with RMSSD decreasing from a median of 6.80 ms before the session to 4.32 ms while being held at the end of 30 min (p < 0.05). Skin-to-skin care with a parent resulted in a more mature autonomic nervous system pattern in preterm infants receiving respiratory support, suggesting physiologic benefit for the infant. No adverse events were seen during any session.

How Do Qualities of Supportive Conversations Affect Heart Rate Variability During Conversations About the Death of a Parent?

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of person-centered communication on bereaved young adults’ physiological stress responses when they talked about the death of their parent. Heart rate variability – indexed by the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), and the heart rate variability index (HRVi) – was monitored before, during, and after the interaction as an objective measure of stress reactivity and recovery. The final sample included 69 subjects, and they conversed with research confederates who provided varying levels of person-centered support. The results showed that participants who received highly person-centered support experienced faster stress recovery, as indicated by increased HRVi, compared to those who received moderately or low person-centered support. Bereaved adults’ SDNN during the interaction was positively associated with subjective evaluations of cognitive reappraisal, emotional improvement, and support quality. The discussion highlights the significance of supportive interactions on physiological, psychological, and emotional well-being.

Sound stimulation using the individual's heart rate to improve the stability and homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system.

In this study, we explain the role of enhancing the stability and homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by proposing the average heart rate sound resonance (aHRSR), a sound stimulation to prevent imbalance of ANS due to dynamic movement. The effect of aHRSR on ANS was analyzed through the time and frequency domain of heart rate variability (HRV) using the photoplethysmogram data (PPG) of 22 participants (DUIRB-202109-12). When the subjects performed dynamic movements that could cause changes in the ANS, HRV indicators using PPG data for 5 min before and after the movements were analyzed according to the presence or absence of aHRSR. The standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of the NN intervals (RMSSD), low-frequency band (LF), and high-frequency band (HF), which represent sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, were used as indicators, where SNDD and LF represent total ANS and sympathetic activity, while RMSSD and HF represent parasympathetic activity. As the effects of aHRSR on dynamic movement, the recovery time of RR interval was advanced by about 15 s, SDNN increased from ([44.16 ± 13.11] to [47.85 ± 15.16]) ms, and RMSSD increased from ([23.73 ± 9.95] to [31.89 ± 12.48]) ms (p < 0.05), increasing the stability of the ANS and reducing instability. The effect of homeostasis of the ANS according to aHRSR is also shown in reducing the change rate of LF from (-13.83 to -8.83) %, and the rate of change of HF from (10.59 to 3.27) %. These results suggest that aHRSR can affect the cardiovascular system by assisting physiological movements that occur during dynamic movement.

Comparing the stress response using heart rate variability during real and simulated crises: a pilot study.

Medical personnel often experience stress when responding to a medical emergency. A known stress-response is a measurable reduction in heart rate variability. It is currently unknown if crisis simulation can elicit the same stress response as real clinical emergencies. We aim to compare heart rate variability changes amongst medical trainees during simulated and real medical emergencies. We performed a single center prospective observational study, enrolling 19 resident physicians. Heart rate variability was measured in real time, using a 2-lead heart rate monitor (Bodyguard 2, Firstbeat Technologies Ltd) worn during 24h critical care call shifts. Data was collected at baseline, during crisis simulation and when responding to medical emergencies. 57 observations were made to compare participant's heart rate variability. Each heart rate variability metric changed as expected in response to stress. Statistically significant differences were observed between baseline and simulated medical emergencies in Standard Deviation of the N-N interval (SDNN), Root mean square standard deviation of the N-N interval (RMSSD), Percentage of successive R-R intervals that differ by more than 50ms (PNN50), Low Frequency (LF) and Low Frequency: High Frequency ratios (LF:HF). No statistically significant differences between simulated and real medical emergencies were identified in any heart rate variability metrics. We have shown using objective results, that simulation can elicit the same psychophysiological response as actual medical emergencies. Therefore, simulation may represent a reasonable way to practice not only essential skills in a safe environment but has the additional benefit of creating a realistic, physiological response in medical trainees.

Impact of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on the Cardiac Autonomic Function During Rehabilitation in Children After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) on cardiac autonomic control system (CACS) function in children after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the subacute rehabilitation period. Thirty-three participants, 8-18 years of age, 42 (14-149) days after severe TBI at the beginning of the subacute rehabilitation, were included in the study. Six participants were diagnosed with tSAH during acute medical care (tSAH group). Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed by the standard deviation of the N-N interval (SDNN) and the square root of the mean square differences of successive R-R interval (RMSSD) using a Polar RS800CX device while sitting at rest for 5 min. A second assessment was performed 8 weeks later. No significant difference between the tSAH and non-tSAH groups were found in the demographic and functional characteristics or injury severity. However, in comparison to the non-tSAH group, the tSAH group had lower SDNN (23.9 [10.5-47.3] vs. 43.9 [21.8-118.8], respectively; p = 0.005) and RMSSD values (11.8 [5.9-24.5] vs. 29.6 [8.9-71.7], respectively; p = 0.004). Neither group demonstrated changes in HRV values at rest in the second assessment, whereas the significant difference in SDNN (p = 0.035) and RMSSD (p = 0.008) remained. Children diagnosed with SAH after severe TBI presented poorer CACS function during the subacute rehabilitation. Given that reduced HRV values may be a marker for potential heart disease, the medical team should be aware of the influence of existing tSAH. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to further investigate this topic. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT03215082.

Heart rate variability as a prognostic marker in critically ill patients

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to assess cardiac autonomic activity in critically ill patients. Heart rate variability is termed as fluctuation in the time interval between adjacent heartbeats. The equilibrium among the sympathetic and parasympathetic subgroups of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is essential for the maintenance of systemic homeostasis and effective response to external stressors. Hence we aimed this study to determine whether heart rate variability can be used as a prognostic marker in critically ill patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 225 consecutive critically ill patients admitted to the medicine Intensive care unit (ICU) of AVBRH, Sawangi (Meghe) based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected participants were evaluated for 24 hours Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and APACHE 4 score. Outcomes like mortality and survival were corelated with 24 hours Heart Rate Variability and APACHE 4 score. Results: The variables were significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with Standard deviation of the average Normal-to normal HRV intervals (SDANN) and Standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN). The variables were also significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with the variable High frequency (HF), High frequency/Low frequency (LF/HF) ratio. LF/HF parameter was abnormal in 86% of patients who died as compared to 54% of the patients who survived (p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Out of the 225 participants, 20% died during the study period. APACHE 4, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, and LF were significantly and independently associated with mortality. Decrease in Low frequency parameter of 24 hours Heart Rate Variability identified mortality with accuracy of 74% with 81.2% specificity, and 46.7 % sensitivity

Role of Meditation in Ameliorating Examination Stress Induced Changes in Cardiovascular and Autonomic Functions.

Examination stress is a very well-known model of psychological stress in students. It induces changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), along with changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), due to autonomic perturbations. To find out if Raj Yoga meditation (RYM) practice affects autonomic and cardiovascular function in healthy young subjects during periods of examination stress. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of one month of supervised RYM practice on ameliorating examination-induced changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function. The secondary objective was to measure the stress levels of medical students before and after RYM. Pre-training measurements of SBP, DBP, HRV, and BRS were done, and the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was administered to 80 participants one month before examinations. They were then trained in RYM. Post-training assessment of the same parameters was done after examinations and also after two months. In our study, RYM training decreased DBP (p = 0.01) but not SBP. BRS showed a trend towards an increase after RYM practice, but it was not statistically significant (p = 0.44). The standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN) (p = 0.03), low-frequency (LF) nu (0.003), and high-frequency (HF) nu (0.04) showed a statistically significant change. Average RR, median RR, average rate, square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), pRR, total power, LF (µs2), and LF/HF ratio were not statistically significantly different between the three groups. There was a statistically significant decline in MSSQ scores for MSSQ I (p = 0.04), MSSQ II (p = 0.04), and MSSQ IV (p = 0.03). Short-term practice of supervised RYM during stressful periods is protective for the cardiovascular and autonomic systems and decreases stress in medical students.

Effects of eating together online on autonomic nervous system functions: a randomized, open-label, controlled preliminary study among healthy volunteers

BackgroundEating alone has been significantly associated with psychological distress. However, there is no research that evaluates the effects or relation of eating together online to autonomic nervous system functions.MethodsThis is a randomized, open-label, controlled, pilot study conducted among healthy volunteers. Participants were randomized into either an eating together online group or an eating-alone group. The effect of eating together on autonomic nervous functions was evaluated and compared with that of the control (eating alone). The primary endpoint was the change in the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) scores among heart rate variabilities (HRV) before and after eating. Physiological synchrony was investigated based on changes in the SDNN scores.ResultsA total of 31 women and 25 men (mean age, 36.6 [SD = 9.9] years) were included in the study. In the comparison between the aforementioned groups, two-way analysis of variance revealed interactions between time and group on SDNN scores. SDNN scores in the eating together online group increased in the first and second halves of eating time (F[1,216], P < 0.001 and F[1,216], P = 0.022). Moreover, high correlations were observed in the changes in each pair before and during the first half of eating time as well as before and during the second half of eating time (r = 0.642, P = 0.013 and r = 0.579, P = 0.030). These were statistically significantly higher than those in the eating-alone group (P = 0.005 and P = 0.040).ConclusionsThe experience of eating together online increased HRV during eating. Variations in pairs were correlated and may have induced physiological synchrony.Trial registrationThe University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000045161. Registered September 1, 2021. https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000051592.