Heart Rate Variability, Time Estimation and Internet-Dependent Behaviour in 16–17-Year-Old Adolescents: A Study in Russian Arctic

Abstract

Internet-dependent behaviour in adolescents can contribute to a change in the function of the nervous system, which is reflected in the violation of time perception and autonomic regulation of the heart rate. The aim of the study was to determine groups of individuals with different risks of Internet addiction (IA) in relation to heart rate variability (HRV) parameters and the efficiency of time estimation in adolescents aged 16–17 years living in the Russian Arctic. Adolescents aged 16–17 years (n = 49–32 females, 17 males) living in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Russia) were observed. Chen Scale Internet Addiction (CIAS) was used. The duration of an individual 1 min was determined. HRV parameters were determined using the "Varicard" equipment (Russia). In 16–17-year-old adolescents with different levels of risk of developing IA, including signs of IA, we revealed a high severity of symptoms of withdrawal from Internet use, difficulty in time estimation against the background of sympathicotonia and a decrease in vagal regulation of heart rate. In individuals with minimal symptoms of withdrawal from Internet use, the total HRV and vagal activity remain higher than in those with severe withdrawal symptoms, and their time estimation remains effective.

Neurophysiologic Reactions during Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Session in Adolescents with Different Risk of Internet Addiction

“…All participants aged 16–17 in this non-randomised study were natives of cities of the Russian Federation and were students ( n = 100, Europoid residents) of general education schools (2020–2021). This study is a follow-up to our previous study where similar selection criteria were used [ 18 , 19 ]. This group was initially formed as a group of healthy individuals according to medical criteria based on the opinion of the paediatrician, as reflected in the personal medical documentation in the medical office of the school.…”

“…This group was initially formed as a group of healthy individuals according to medical criteria based on the opinion of the paediatrician, as reflected in the personal medical documentation in the medical office of the school. Due to sex- and age-related differences in the reactivities of the cardiovascular system in adolescents, we decided to form a homogeneous group in terms of sex and age [ 18 , 19 ]. The ratio of boys and girls in different age groups was as follows: 16 yearsold, 21/26; 17 yearsold, 24/29.…”

“…None of the participants smoked or consumed alcoholic drinks. The study participants had not committed any offences and did not need police or psychological supervision in connection with the manifestation of aggression, depression, suicidal behaviour, or the use of psychoactive substances [ 18 , 19 ].…”

“…BMI was defined as the body mass in kilograms divided by the square of the body height in metres (kg/m 2 ). Height, weight, and BMI were measured using certified medical equipment with electronic scales and a height metre (REP+VMEN-200–100-D1-A, Factory Twes, Tambov, Russian) [ 18 , 19 ]. The anthropometric parameters of the examined individuals were above the 97th and below the 3rd percentiles according to the height-for-age and BMI-for-age scales for 5–19-year-old boys of the corresponding age according to the criteria of the World Health Organisation [ 20 ].…”

“…The total time for using the Internet (for the purpose of learning in the school curriculum and for entertainment) averaged 2.5 h for 27.3% of individuals, 5.5 h for 38.4% of individuals, and 6 or more hours for 34.3% of individuals every day. The entertainment time included social media time, watching video content and news, and online games [ 18 , 19 ]. For the purpose of entertainment, 38.5% of participants used the Internet for more than 3 h a day (up to 5.5 h), 32% used the Internet for 2–3 h a day, and 28.2% used the Internet for up to 2 h a day.…”