Investigation of noise exposure effect on heart rate variability parameters

This paper deals with the study of the effect of 135 min exposure to noise with intensity Leq 95 dB(A) in experimental conditions. Three experimental sessions: before, at the onset, and at the end of the noise exposure were conducted. The comparison of heart rate variability (HRV) parameters before and on the onset of the experiment showed tendency for significant decrease of the cardiointervals variability parameters: standard deviation (SD), sum of positive differences between successive cardiointervals (S), total wave energy in the cardiotachogram (S*Ns), mean difference between successive cardiointervals (V). Statistically significant increase of the mean value was found at HRV parameters related to the distribution of the cardiointervals: control adequacy parameter (IARP), equilibrium autonomic parameter (IVE), autonomous balance (IVB), homeostasis parameter (HI). At the end of the third experimental session HRV parameters were almost restored, but they did not achieve the initial values. An elevation of the sympathetic activity under noise exposure effect was found. In this aspect, the heart rate variability parameters were interpreted as a sensitive indicator for the quality of cardiac rhythm and they can be used for assessment of the functional status and the level of preserving of the adaptive reserves of the investigated persons.