Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
08:12

Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions

Published on: June 5, 2019

20.3K

A wearable heart rate measurement device for children with autism spectrum disorder

Francesca Fioriello1, Andrea Maugeri1, Livio D'Alvia2

  • 1Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.

Scientific Reports
|October 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Heart rate (HR) monitoring can reveal stress responses in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Increased HR during specific activities correlated with autistic symptoms, suggesting HR as a potential biomarker for stress in ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Autonomic nervous system physiology
  • Pediatric psychology

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by social-communication deficits and autonomic nervous system imbalances.
  • Children with ASD often exhibit atypical stress responses, necessitating objective measures.
  • Heart rate (HR) variability is a sensitive indicator of autonomic function and stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate heart rate (HR) as a potential indicator of stress response in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  • To compare HR responses during standardized interactive activities between children with ASD and those with Language Disorder (LD).
  • To explore the correlation between autistic symptoms and physiological stress markers.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-four children (12 ASD, 12 LD) underwent clinical assessments (Leiter-R, ADOS-2) and continuous HR monitoring during five interactive tasks.
  • Participants wore an HR measurement device throughout the evaluation period.
  • Statistical analyses, including correlation and linear regression, were used to analyze HR data in relation to clinical scores.

Main Results:

  • Increased HR during ADOS-2 bubble play significantly correlated with autistic symptom severity (r=0.415, p=0.044).
  • A linear regression model indicated that the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition (ADOS-2) total score significantly influenced HR variations (p=0.023).
  • While other correlations did not reach statistical significance, trends suggested a relationship between HR and ASD severity during specific activities.

Conclusions:

  • Heart rate (HR) monitoring shows promise as an objective measure to understand stress-provoking situations in children with ASD.
  • HR variations may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting the impact of stress on core autistic features.
  • This approach could aid clinicians in tailoring treatment strategies for children with ASD by identifying specific stressors.

More Related Videos

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children09:45

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Children

Published on: April 29, 2013

21.3K
Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

15.8K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
741
Pulse rhythm01:30

Pulse rhythm

Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
1.2K
Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring01:23

Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring

Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...
1.2K