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Persisting Effects of Concussion on Heart Rate Variability during Physical Exertion.

Authors :
Abaji, Joseph Patrick
Curnier, Daniel
Moore, Robert Davis
Ellemberg, Dave
Source :
Journal of Neurotrauma. May2016, Vol. 33 Issue 9, p811-817. 7p.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation in university athletes during the post-acute to late phase (mean, 95 days ±63) of injury at rest and during physical exertion. We also sought to evaluate the effect of time since injury and number of injuries on heart rate variability (HRV). We hypothesized that physical exertion would reveal persisting modifications in HRV following a concussion. We included, in a cross-sectional design, athletes who sustained a concussion and matched controls. Concussions were identified by a medical doctor using established criteria. Twelve male concussed and 12 control athletes took part in the study. Control participants were teammates who were chosen to match the concussed athletes with regard to their height, weight, education, and age. The beat-to-beat electrocardiogram intervals of the participants were measured at rest and during physical exertion (isometric hand grip contraction; IHGC), which was sustained for 3 minutes at 30% of the participants' maximum. Linear and nonlinear parameters of HRV were calculated. The ratio between low and high frequency (LF/HF) bands was calculated to assess the sympathovagal balance. During the IHGC, but not at rest, concussed athletes presented significantly lower power in HF bands, leading to a significantly higher LF/HF ratio ( p ≤ 0.05). Thus, asymptomatic athletes still may exhibit modifications in cardiac autonomic modulation weeks to months following injury. These modifications may only become apparent during physical exertion. Monitoring HRV may aid diagnosis and provide insight about safe return to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
08977151
Volume :
33
Issue :
9
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Neurotrauma
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
115008936
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2015.3989