Academic examination-induced state anxiety significantly decreased the Poincaré plot measure SD1 from 35.84 at rest to 25.58 during the exam, indicating a reduction in heart rate variability complexity.
Observational (n=96)
No
Does state anxiety induced by a university examination alter nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy students?
Acute state anxiety induced by academic stress significantly reduces the complexity and nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy individuals.
Absolute Event Rate: 25.58% vs 35.84%
p-value: p=<0.01
OBJECTIVES: Clinical and experimental research studies have demonstrated that the emotional experience of anxiety impairs heart rate variability (HRV) in humans. The present study investigated whether changes in state anxiety (SA) can also modulate nonlinear dynamics of heart rate. METHODS: A group of 96 students volunteered to participate in the study. For each student, two 5-minute recordings of beat intervals (RR) were performed: one during a rest period and one just before a university examination, which was assumed to be a real-life stressor. Nonlinear analysis of HRV was performed. The Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess the level of SA. RESULTS: Before adjusting for heart rate, a Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed significant decreases in Poincaré plot measures, entropy, largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), and pointwise correlation dimension (PD2), and an increase in the short-term fractal-like scaling exponent of detrended fluctuation analysis (α1) during the exam session, compared with the rest period. A Pearson analysis indicated significant negative correlations between the dynamics of SA and Poincaré plot axes ratio (SD1/SD2), and between changes in SA and changes in entropy measures. A strong negative correlation was found between the dynamics of SA and LLE. A significant positive correlation was found between the dynamics of SA and α1. The decreases in Poincaré plot measures (SD1, complex correlation measure), entropy measures, and LLE were still significant after adjusting for heart rate. Corrected α1 was increased during the exam session. As before, the dynamics of adjusted LLE was significantly correlated with the dynamics of SA. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative increase in SA during academic examination was related to the decrease in the complexity and size of the Poincaré plot through a reduction of both the interbeat interval and its variation.
Da et al. (Mon,) conducted a observational in State anxiety (n=96). University examination (academic stress) vs. Rest period was evaluated on Poincaré plot measure SD1 (p=<0.01). Academic examination-induced state anxiety significantly decreased the Poincaré plot measure SD1 from 35.84 at rest to 25.58 during the exam, indicating a reduction in heart rate variability complexity.