Fetal heart rate variability due to vibroacoustic stimulation: linear and nonlinear contribution
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
G Magenes1, M G Signorini, D Arduini
1Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, Via Ferrata 1, 27100 Pavia, Italy. giovanni@bioing.unipv.it
Objectives:
This work aims at characterizing the variation of fetal heart rate (FHR) provoked by vibroacoustic stimulation (VAS). The FHR signal is analyzed by means of a multiparametric approach consisting of linear and nonlinear indices.
Methods:
The FHR signals of 13 fetuses were collected through a US standard CTG monitor (HP1351A) and were sampled at a frequency of 2 Hz. The VAS was provided after a period of quiet of 10 minutes. The analysis was performed on the quiet period and on two successive time windows of 10 minutes each, after the stimulation. FHR classical parameters (delta, short term variability, long term irregularity, accelerations and decelerations) as well as power spectral density (PSD) and approximate entropy (ApEn) were computed for each period.
Results:
Results confirm that there is a significant change in fetal conditions after the stimulus is applied. This change can be clearly observed either in time domain parameters and in the regularity index (ApEn). Individual data are all consistent with an increase of variability and a decrease of regularity after VAS.
Conclusions:
The obtained results give further strength to the hypothesis that vibratory stimuli tests represent a reliable method for monitoring the neural development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
01:19Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
01:25Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
01:15Heart Sounds
Auscultation is the process of listening to these internal body sounds using a stethoscope. The heart produces four types of sounds, but only two—S1 and S2—can usually be heard with a stethoscope.
S1, also known as the "lub" sound, is caused by the closure of atrioventricular (A-V) valves at the...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:25Assessment of the Cardiovascular System IV: Auscultation
Normal Heart Sounds
S1 (First Heart Sound)-
S1 is made by the closure of the mitral and tricuspid valves (atrioventricular valves), marking the beginning of systole.
S2 (Second Heart Sound)-
S2 is made by the closure of the aortic and pulmonic valves (semilunar valves), marking the end of the systole.