Heart rate variability differences during cognitive tasks were not statistically significant in individuals with autism and ADHD compared to neurotypical individuals (Hedges' g -0.38).
Meta-Analysis (n=2,223)
Does engagement in cognitive tasks alter heart rate variability in individuals with ASD and ADHD compared to neurotypical controls or their own resting states?
While overall HRV differences during cognitive tasks were not significant between NDD and neurotypical populations, significant differences in the ASD subgroup highlight the potential relevance of HRV as a biomarker for autonomic regulation in autism.
Effect estimate: Hedges' g -0.38 (95% CI -0.82, 0.05)
p-value: p=0.08
Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are associated with neurocognitive deficits across multiple domains. In this context, heart rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a promising biomarker for cognitive function, yet meta-analytic studies examining HRV changes during cognitive tasks in these populations remain limited. To address this gap, we conducted a pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis examining HRV changes in ASD and ADHD populations during cognitive tasks compared to neurotypical individuals and their own resting states. A comprehensive database search was conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 20 studies, comprising 2,223 participants, met the inclusion criteria. The overall effect of HRV differences during cognitive tasks was not statistically significant when compared to neurotypical individuals (Hedges’ g = -0.38 p = .08). However, subgroup analyses revealed variation in effects, with significant differences observed in the ASD population (Hedges’ g = -0.32, p < .01). Robust Bayesian analysis provided weak to moderate support against publication bias (BF = 0.38). Despite limitations including heterogeneity across studies and methodological inconsistencies in HRV measurement, these findings highlight the potential relevance of HRV in understanding cognitive functioning in neurodevelopmental disorders. Future research should aim to refine methodological approaches, explore longitudinal changes, and better control of confounding variables to deepen our understanding of autonomic regulation in ASD and ADHD populations.
Bahameish et al. (Wed,) conducted a meta-analysis in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n=2,223). Cognitive tasks vs. Neurotypical individuals was evaluated on Heart rate variability (HRV) differences during cognitive tasks (Hedges' g -0.38, 95% CI -0.82, 0.05, p=0.08). Heart rate variability differences during cognitive tasks were not statistically significant in individuals with autism and ADHD compared to neurotypical individuals (Hedges' g -0.38).