Abstract：Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a common method to noninvasively evaluate autonomic nervous function. In many studies, low frequency variability (LF, <0.15 Hz as shown in the power spectrum produced by Fast Fourier Transformation) is taken as an indicator of sympathetic function and high frequency variability (HF, ≥0.15 Hz) as an indicator of parasympathetic function. Based on studies on over 20 control subjects and 15 mind/body practitioners, we found that the following are important factors that influence HRV. First, the frequency of the breathing cycle is reflected in the frequency of a peak in the power spectrum produced by respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). In some cases involving younger subjects, multiple peaks can be seen in the power spectrum even though they were strictly controlling their breathing at a single rate. Second, the size of the HRV peak produced by RSA is dependent on the tidal volume of each breath and the posture of the subject. Third, under the same conditions, younger subjects (aging 20s-25s) generally show a larger RSA peak compared to older subjects (aging 50s-70s). This effect often overshadows differences based on other considerations, such as years of experience in mindbody practice. In conclusion, this study shows that HRV analysis can be a useful tool for assessing autonomic nervous function in mindbody research, but great care must be taken to control for all of the factors indicated above.
Shin Lin, 沈仲元, Timothy Ross. 心-身锻炼中影响使用心率变异性评价自主神经功能的因素研究[J]. 实用心电学杂志, 2017, 26(2): 84-93.
Shin Lin, Zhong-Yuan Shen, Timothy Ross. Factors influencing the use of heart rate variability for evaluating autonomic nervous function in mind body -research. JOURNAL OF PRACTICAL ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, 2017, 26(2): 84-93.
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