Key result
First responder probable PTSD is linked to lower baseline HRV but similar VR task responses.
Why the study?
First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic events that increase the risk for PTSD, prompting evaluation of their physiological response during virtual reality exposure.
Does probable PTSD alter heart rate variability and skin conductance level in first responders at baseline and during a virtual reality task?
Cross-Sectional (n=84)
Does probable PTSD alter heart rate variability and skin conductance level in first responders at baseline and during a virtual reality task?
First responders with probable PTSD exhibit reduced baseline heart rate variability, indicating altered resting parasympathetic modulation, though this difference does not persist during virtual reality exposure.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May indicate altered resting autonomic function in first responders with PTSD; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
First responders (FRs) are routinely exposed to traumatic events, increasing risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study compared heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance level (SCL) between FRs with and without probable PTSD at baseline and during a virtual reality (VR) task. Eighty-four FRs completed questionnaires and physiological assessments. Participants with probable PTSD showed significantly lower baseline HRV, indicating reduced parasympathetic modulation. No group differences emerged for HRV during VR or for SCL at either point. The results confirm reduced HRV at rest in PTSD, but further work is needed to clarify why this difference was not observed during the task and why SCL showed no group effects. To advance understanding of these results, future studies should include larger samples, longer baselines, recovery phases, and clinical interviews.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
António et al. (2025) conducted a cross-sectional in Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (n=84). Probable PTSD vs. Without probable PTSD was evaluated on Heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance level (SCL) at baseline and during a virtual reality (VR) task. First responders with probable PTSD had significantly lower baseline heart rate variability compared to those without, but no differences were observed during a VR task or for skin conductance.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: