This methodological review highlights significant flaws in short-term frequency-domain HRV research, emphasizing the need for better control of experimental variables and improved interpretation of spectral power.
Short-term frequency-domain HRV ratios warrant cautious interpretation; challenges prior reliance on these metrics and leaves open validity without rigorous controls.
Frequency analysis of the electrocardiographic RR interval is a common method of quantifying autonomic outflow by measuring the beat-to-beat modulation of the heart (heart rate variability; HRV). This review identifies a series of problems with the methods of doing so-the interpretation of low-frequency spectral power, the multiple use of equivalent normalized low frequency (LFnu), high frequency (HFnu) and ratio (LF/HF) terms, and the lack of control over extraneous variables, and reviews research in the calendar year 2012 to determine their prevalence and severity. Results support the mathematical equivalency of ratio units across studies, a reliance on those variables to explain autonomic outflow, and insufficient control of critical experimental variables. Research measurement of HRV has a substantial need for general methodological improvement.
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James Heathers (2014) studied this question.
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