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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Increased QT interval variability in 3 recently concussed athletes: an exploratory observation.
Michael F La Fountaine1, James D Gossett, Ronald E De Meersman
1Center of Excellence on the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury and SCI Service, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA. michael.lafountaine@va.gov
Journal of Athletic Training
|June 15, 2011
Summary
Concussed athletes showed altered heart rate variability (QTVI) within 48 hours of injury. This autonomic dysfunction resolved within a week, suggesting QTVI
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Autonomic Neuroscience
Background:
- The QT interval variability index (QTVI) measures beat-to-beat QT interval fluctuations, reflecting vagal cardiac autonomic modulation.
- QTVI has been established as a noninvasive indicator of autonomic function at rest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in QTVI in athletes following a concussive head injury.
- To assess QTVI at 48 hours, 1 week, and 2 weeks post-concussion.
Main Methods:
- A case series design involving 3 concussed athletes and 3 matched controls.
- Continuous 3-lead electrocardiograms were recorded in a resting position over two weeks.
- Unpaired t tests were used to compare QTVI between groups at different time points.
Main Results:
- No demographic differences were observed between the concussed and control groups.
- Concussed athletes exhibited significantly higher QTVI at 48 hours post-injury compared to controls.
- QTVI in the concussion group decreased to control levels by 1 and 2 weeks post-injury.
Conclusions:
- Concussive head injuries appear to temporarily impair vagal cardiac autonomic modulation, as indicated by QTVI changes.
- Serial QTVI assessments may aid in diagnosing acute concussion and guiding safe return-to-play decisions.
- QTVI normalization within one week suggests a transient effect of concussion on autonomic function.
