Using Heart Rate Variability Methods for Health-Related Outcomes in Outdoor Contexts: A Scoping Review of Empirical...

Area of Science:

• Psychophysiology
• Autonomic Nervous System Research
• Environmental Health Studies

Background:

• Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation and overall health.
• Diverse methodologies in HRV data collection and analysis present challenges in consistent interpretation.
• Assessing health outcomes in free-living outdoor settings requires specific considerations for HRV measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) methods used in studies assessing health outcomes in outdoor, free-living environments.
• To explore the diversity in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of HRV in this context.
• To identify common practices and deviations from established HRV standards.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review methodology utilizing four database searches.
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing health outcomes in outdoor free-living contexts.
• Analysis of 34 studies and 8 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Over half of the included studies referenced the 1996 HRV task force guidelines, but fewer adhered to recommended measurement and analysis procedures.
• A majority of studies reported expected changes in autonomic nervous system activity (increased parasympathetic, decreased sympathetic).
• Limited discussion of methodological limitations and challenges was noted despite varied devices and software.

Conclusions:

• Significant heterogeneity exists in HRV methodology application within outdoor health research.
• There is a need for greater adherence to standardized HRV protocols for improved reliability and comparability.
• Recommendations are proposed to enhance future HRV research in free-living outdoor health assessments.