Body mass index was inversely related to the pNN50 and RMSSD components of heart rate variability in healthy non-obese adults, with significant differences across BMI strata for pNN50.
Cross-Sectional (n=59)
Is body mass index associated with autonomic nervous system activity as measured by heart rate variability in healthy adults?
Higher BMI is associated with lower parasympathetic activity as measured by short-term HRV in healthy individuals.
OBJECTIVES: The present analysis is a replication of previous findings presenting first evidence of an association between body mass index (BMI) and autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity as measured by heart rate variability (HRV), in healthy non-obese adults. DESIGN: A total of fifty-nine apparently healthy male (M) and female (F) individuals (M/F = 15/44) were included in the trial. HRV data for analysis was derived from 5 minutes of baseline recordings, while the subject was sitting on a comfortable chair. Subjects' body measures (weight and height) were taken and BMI was obtained according to common calculation (kg/m²). RESULTS: BMI was inversely related to pNN50 and RMSSD components of HRV. Statistically significant differences between stratified groups (BMI25) only occurred for analysis of pNN50 components. The pNN50 components and RMSSD are strongly associated with cardiac vagal influence, and thus represents parasympathetic activity. CONCLUSIONS: The present data supports previous findings, that sympatho-vagal balance is related to BMI in non-obese, healthy individuals, providing evidence for a prominent role of the vagus nerve in the modulation of the energy expenditure of the human organism. Furthermore, this relation can be observed in short term recordings of HRV of 5 minutes in length.
Koenig et al. (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Healthy non-obese adults (n=59). Body mass index (BMI) vs. Stratified BMI groups (BMI<20, BMI 20-25, BMI >25) was evaluated on Heart rate variability (pNN50 and RMSSD components). Body mass index was inversely related to the pNN50 and RMSSD components of heart rate variability in healthy non-obese adults, with significant differences across BMI strata for pNN50.