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Updated: Feb 11, 2026
05:48
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
10.6K
Heart rate variability changes as an indicator of decompression-related physiological stress
Sérgio Rhein Schirato1, Ingrid El-Dash1, Vivian El-Dash1
1Department of Physiology, Biosciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Scuba diving significantly impacts heart rate variability (HRV), specifically increasing low-frequency power, which may indicate physiological stress from decompression. This contrasts with normal breathing, highlighting dive-specific autonomic nervous system responses.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
- Hyperbaric Medicine
Background:
- Physiological stress from hyperbaric environments is well-documented.
- Impacts of scuba diving on heart rate variability (HRV) remain under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of simulated scuba diving on HRV parameters.
- To analyze changes in frequency and time domain HRV estimators post-dive.
Main Methods:
- Simulated dive to 557 KPa (45m) for 30 minutes.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) recording pre-, during, and post-dive.
- Analysis of HRV using time and frequency domain methods on R-R intervals.
Main Results:
- Control group showed increased SDNN, RMSSD, and both high and low-frequency power.
- Simulated dive group exhibited only an increase in low-frequency HRV power.
- Dissimilar HRV responses between control and dive groups were observed.
Conclusions:
- Increased low-frequency HRV without high-frequency changes may signal physiological stress from decompression.
- Dive-induced HRV alterations could be linked to endothelial dysfunction.
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