State Anxiety and Nonlinear Dynamics of Heart Rate Variability in Students.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Clinical and experimental research studies have demonstrated that the emotional experience of anxiety impairs heart rate variability (HRV) in humans. The present study investigated whether changes in state anxiety (SA) can also modulate nonlinear dynamics of heart rate.

Methods

A group of 96 students volunteered to participate in the study. For each student, two 5-minute recordings of beat intervals (RR) were performed: one during a rest period and one just before a university examination, which was assumed to be a real-life stressor. Nonlinear analysis of HRV was performed. The Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to assess the level of SA.

Results

Before adjusting for heart rate, a Wilcoxon matched pairs test showed significant decreases i

SUBMITTER: Dimitriev DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4726749 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature