Analysis of Autonomic Modulation During Maximal and Submaximal Work Rate and Functional Capacity in Asthmatic Children

Abstract

From the autonomic standpoint, asthmatic and non-asthmatic children respond differently to stress. No withdrawal of parasympathetic cardiac modulation occurs in asthmatic children after maximum work rate. Children with asthma experience changes in functional capacity and lung function may vary depending on the degree of inflammation of the airways.

Increased sympathetic modulation and decreased response of the heart rate variability in controlled asthma

“…The volunteers were instructed to avoid caffeinated drinks and exercise for 24 h before the assessment, to have light meals and a good night of sleep. Bronchodilators (BD) of short action were suspended for at least 6 h, BD [13] with long action and steroid inhalers were suspended for at least 12 h before the evaluations [14,15].…”

Patterns of heart rate variability and cardiac autonomic modulations in controlled and uncontrolled asthmatic patients

“…Recent research exploring deranged autonomic functions in certain diseases was largely based on HRV studies [ 2 – 4 ]. Bronchial asthma has received special attention by researchers investigating the impact of autonomic disturbances on the disease etiology [ 5 – 11 ]. Low HRV and predominance of parasympathetic modulations on the heart were demonstrated in some studies [ 5 – 8 ], but not others [ 9 – 11 ].…”

“…Bronchial asthma has received special attention by researchers investigating the impact of autonomic disturbances on the disease etiology [ 5 – 11 ]. Low HRV and predominance of parasympathetic modulations on the heart were demonstrated in some studies [ 5 – 8 ], but not others [ 9 – 11 ]. According to some previous reports, parasympathetic discharge seems to predominate in asthmatic patients irrespective of day-and-night cycle [ 12 ] or physical activity [ 5 ].…”

“…Low HRV and predominance of parasympathetic modulations on the heart were demonstrated in some studies [ 5 – 8 ], but not others [ 9 – 11 ]. According to some previous reports, parasympathetic discharge seems to predominate in asthmatic patients irrespective of day-and-night cycle [ 12 ] or physical activity [ 5 ]. Conversely, some studies were unable to prove vagal hypertonia in patients with bronchial asthma [ 6 ].…”

Is There An Effect of Inhaled Steroid Treatment on Heart Rate?

“…Several researchers have stated that asthma is related to increased bronchial sensitivity to cholinergic constriction and reduced sensitivity to B2 adrenergic stimulation. Studies of the respiratory system independent of the cardiovascular system have reported that impaired autonomic modulation only affects the respiratory system (11). This was considered to be a hypothesis that could explain the absence of HRV change in the asthma patients of the current study.…”