Linear and nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability during lower body negative pressure

In order to measure the changes of heart rate variability (HRV) under lower body negative pressure (LBNP), time and frequency domain parameters as well as the relative LZ Complexity were used to analyse HRV. Fifteen healthy male subjects in supine position were subjected to sequential LBNP (-2.7 kPa 2 min, -4.0 kPa 3 min, -5.3 kPa 5 min, -6.7 kPa 10 min). They were divided into two groups: intolerant group (group A) and tolerant group (group B). There was a similar decreasing trend for R-R interval at -5.3 kPa and -6.7 kPa in both groups. Spectral analysis showed no significant alternations in both groups. At -6.7 kPa, complexity showed significant differences from the baseline values in both groups. Furthermore, there was a more significant reduction of complexity in group A than that in group B. These results showed that LBNP is associated with a decrease of HRV complexity. In addition, this study suggests that nonlinear dynamics measurement of heart rate variability may provide a sensitive index in the regulation of cardiovascular system.