Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Short term heart rate variability in healthy neonates: normative data and physiological observations
Elke Longin1, Thomas Schaible, Tamara Lenz
1University Children's Hospital, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany. elke.longin@kikli.ma.uni-heidelberg.de
Background:
The measurement of heart rate variability (HRV) reveals information on the functional state of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Moreover, several diseases are known to be accompanied by a reduction in HRV. Currently, there are no data on HRV within larger samples of healthy neonates.
Aim:
This study was initiated to establish normative data of HRV parameters and to assess physiological observations in healthy newborn infants.
Study Design:
We performed 10 min recordings of HRV in 80 healthy neonates. We computed time domain parameters. Furthermore power spectrum analysis was calculated by Fourier Transformation in 3 frequency bands. The total power as well as the peak frequencies was estimated for each band.
Results:
The normative data of each HRV parameter for healthy newborns are presented as mean, standard deviation and the 5th and 95th percentiles. Increasing postnatal age is accompanied by a significant (p<0.05) elevation of HRV parameters. Baroreceptor loop fluctuations were delayed from 0.1 Hz (adults) to 0.07 Hz in healthy newborns. A respiratory peak according to respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as it is common in adults was not detectable.
Conclusions:
Normative data of HRV allows the interpretation of clinical data in neonatal diseases affecting the ANS. Moreover, we observed physiological deviations in healthy newborns in comparison to adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:19Special considerations while measuring oxygen saturation
Ensuring accuracy in vital sign recordings while prioritizing patient comfort and minimizing anxiety is important.
01:19Guidelines For Measuring Vital Signs
Before taking a patient's vital signs, a nurse would consider and assess the patient's comfort level and ensure appropriate equipment is available.
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...