Key result
pNN20 yields equivalent results to pNN50 for HRV analysis when using valid statistical tests.
Why the study?
The comparative performance and interrelationship of pNN50 and pNN20 measures of heart rate variability require clarification.
The statistical measures pNN20 and pNN50 for heart rate variability yield equivalent results when analyzed with valid statistical tests, challenging previous arguments against pNN50.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
pNN20 may serve as viable alternative to pNN50 in HRV analysis; extends methodological options but warrants prospective validation.
Two measures of heart rate variability, pNN50 and pNN20, are compared. A non-linear transformation of these measures is proposed, that is helpful in understanding their interrelationship. Provided a valid statistical test is employed, results from analysing pNN20 are likely to be equivalent to those from analysing pNN50. Arguments recently made by Mietus et al (2002 Heart 88 378-80) against the commonly used pNN50 are unconvincing.
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T. P. Hutchinson (2003) studied Heart rate variability. pNN20 vs. pNN50 was evaluated on Equivalence of statistical results. Analyzing heart rate variability using pNN20 is likely to yield equivalent results to pNN50 provided a valid statistical test is employed.
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