Heart Rate Variability Reflects the Natural History of Physiological Development in Healthy Children and Is Not Associated with Quality of Life

Abstract

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL), being the sum expression of diverse influencing factors, is not easy to determine. A clinically relevant option would be to identify and measure quality of life on the basis of physiological parameters which correlate plausibly and statistically with psychometrically measured QoL. Analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) offers readily measurable physiological parameters which could be of use here. A correlation of HRV with both course of disease and QoL has been reported in patients with chronic illness. Various psychometric instruments have been developed for use in paediatric oncology. The aim of this study was to obtain data on HRV and QoL and their correlations, initially in healthy children.MethodsHolter ECG and quality of life were examined in 160 children and adolescents (72 male) aged between 8 and 18 years. QoL was determined with the established questionnaire PEDQoL. Standard parameters of HRV from the frequency domain were calculated and correlated with QoL domains using Spearman (nonparametric) correlation analysis.ResultsMinor but significant associations were revealed only with regard to the PEDQoL domain “autonomy” on the one hand and heart rate and HRV (e.g. MRR, MRRn, MRRd, HRV_ULF, SDNN) parameters which evidently reflect distinct physiological functions on the other.ConclusionsIn healthy children and adolescents we have a first indication that there is a correlation between parameters of HRV and QoL. However, to a greater extent, HRV reflects associated physiological processes of the autonomic nervous system. A higher correlation is more likely to be found in chronically ill children.

Correlation between health-related quality of life in the physical domain and heart rate variability in asymptomatic adults

“…The physiologic consequences of chronic illness could influence the relationship observed between HRQOL and HRV. Few studies have focused on healthy individuals in order to avoid overestimation of the association between HRQOL and HRV, but these studies’ results were inconsistent [ 11 , 27 , 28 ]. Furthermore, these studies have the limitation of lacking a procedure to control the physical and psychiatric conditions that can confound HRV profiles.…”

Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Non-Concussed Youth Athletes: Exploring the Effect of Age, Sex, and Concussion-Like Symptoms

“…This mechanism has been emphasized as a stabilization of sympathovagal balance, noted by increased cholingeric and decreased adrenergic modulation of HRV ( 18 ). Seifert et al ( 48 ) found significant age trends of HRV in the group of children under the age of 11 years old (i.e., HRV decreased with increasing age). However, these were not present in the group over the age of 11 years old ( 48 ).…”

“…Seifert et al ( 48 ) found significant age trends of HRV in the group of children under the age of 11 years old (i.e., HRV decreased with increasing age). However, these were not present in the group over the age of 11 years old ( 48 ). Given that (1) the sample in this study was composed of 13- to 18-year-old athletes and (2) 17- to 18-year olds only made up 5.1% of the total sample, the high performance athletic status, and age range may not have been sensitive enough to capture developmental change.…”

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Heart Rate Variability in Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study

“…In addition to potential physiological adaptations, IMT has also been suggested to elicit positive benefits on quality of life (QoL) [15], anxiety and depression in CF adults [17]. Little data is available in children with CF, but a weak correlation between HRV and QoL has been observed in healthy children and adolescents, with suggestions that a stronger correlation would be evident in chronically ill children [54]. Interventions that simultaneously promote improvements in lung function and QoL are highly desirable, especially for those with CF who already face a substantial, time consuming, treatment schedule.…”