Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Heart rate variability improves in 3-5-year-old children following a 6-month physical activity-based intervention:
Kathryn E Speer1,2, Andrew J McKune1,2,3, Rohan M Telford2
1Faculty of Health, Discipline of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Insights
The Active Early Learning (AEL) program significantly improved heart rate variability (HRV) in preschoolers, indicating enhanced cardiac vagal control. This physical activity intervention benefits children's cardiometabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Insufficient physical activity in early childhood is linked to poor cardiometabolic health.
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive measure of autonomic stability and cardiometabolic risk.
- Preschool-aged children are a critical demographic for early health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the Active Early Learning (AEL) intervention on HRV in preschool children.
- To determine if a physical activity-based curriculum improves cardiac vagal control.
- To investigate HRV as a biomarker for cardiometabolic health in young children.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving preschool children aged 3-5 years.
- Physical activity was measured using accelerometers; HRV was assessed via Polar H10 chest straps (HF-band and RMSSD).
- Linear mixed models analyzed changes in HRV, specifically high-frequency (HF) power, between intervention and control groups.
Main Results:
- The AEL intervention group showed a significant increase in HF power (p = 0.044) after 6 months.
- The control group did not exhibit significant changes in cardiac vagal control.
- Improvements in cardiac vagal control were observed independently of age, sex, physical activity levels, and BMI.
Conclusions:
- The AEL curriculum effectively enhances cardiac vagal control in preschool children.
- HRV measurement is valuable for assessing cardiometabolic health in early childhood.
- Multivariate physical activity programs can positively impact children's health outcomes.
Abstract:
Heart rate variability (HRV) measurement provides non-invasive assessment of autonomic stability and cardiometabolic disease risk. Insufficient physical activity in early childhood may contribute to negative cardiometabolic health. The Active Early Learning (AEL) study was a 6-month randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of a physical activity-based program incorporating movement within the daily curriculum of preschool children. The current study assessed the effects of the AEL intervention on HRV as a measure of cardiac vagal control. Children aged between 3-5 years and enrolled in a preschool with an attendance of ≥15 children were eligible. Physical activity was recorded using an Actigraph wGT3x accelerometer worn at the waist of participants over 3 consecutive days. A Polar H10 chest strap measured HRV with the HF-band and RMSSD representing cardiac vagal control. After 6 months of the AEL trial, linear mixed model analyses revealed a significant intervention effect for increased HF (p = 0.044). The control group did not demonstrate changes in cardiac vagal control after the intervention ceased. Independent of age, sex, physical activity and BMI, the AEL study elicited significant improvements in the cardiac vagal control of participants who received the intervention. Findings highlight the importance of investigating HRV for assessing the cardiometabolic health in young children. ANZCTR trial registration number: ACTRN12619000638134. Novelty: The AEL curriculum improved child HRV independent of age, sex, physical activity and BMI. Heart rate and RR intervals did not demonstrate changes for the intervention and control groups. Multivariate programs for developing physical competence, confidence, knowledge and motivation may improve child health.
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,...
01:31Regulation 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...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
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...
01:17Increased pulse rate
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...