Key result
Higher body fat links to lower RMSSD while fat-free mass associates with better autonomic regulation.
Why the study?
The study was designed to explore associations between body fat mass and fat-free mass with heart rate variability indices in educators, and assess whether fat-free mass moderates the relationship between body fat mass and autonomic function.
Is body composition (body fat mass and fat-free mass) associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system activity in educators?
Population
253 educators from compulsory and higher education institutions
Comparison
Associations across body fat mass and fat-free mass levels
Design
Descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors
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Fat mass-HRV links in educators should not change practice; leaves open causal effects and need for prospective confirmation.
Cross-Sectional (n=253)
Is body composition (body fat mass and fat-free mass) associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system activity in educators?
Body composition, specifically fat mass and fat-free mass, significantly influences autonomic nervous system modulation and heart rate variability.
Álvarez-Gallardo et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Educators (n=253). Body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass) was evaluated on Heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Higher body fat mass in educators was associated with lower RMSSD and higher mean heart rate, whereas higher fat-free mass was linked to lower heart rates and more efficient autonomic regulation.