Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2025
Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions
Published on: June 5, 2019
Body fat and muscle in relation to heart rate variability in young-to-middle age men: a cross sectional study
Selma Cvijetic1, Jelena Macan1, Dario Boschiero2
1Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
Background:
While obesity is recognisably associated with changes in heart rate variability (HRV), the association between skeletal muscle mass and HRV is less clear.
Aims:
In this cross sectional study, we analysed the association of body fat (four parameters) and muscle mass (five parameters) with indicators of HRV activity.
Subjects And Methods:
Assessment of body composition and HRV was performed in n = 180 young-to-middle age healthy men exposed to high occupational physical activity, using the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance device and the PPG-StressFlow® HRV photoplethysmography device, respectively.
Results:
Mean values of parameters of fat tissue were above normal/reference values. Muscle tissue indicators were higher or within the reference ranges. Fat tissue parameters were significantly higher in participants with lower parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) indicators. Weight-adjusted skeletal muscle index (wSMI) was significantly lower in men with reduced PNS parameters. Fat tissue parameters were negatively correlated with PNS parameters, while wSMI was positively correlated with PNS parameters.
Conclusions:
Participants with higher fat mass and lower muscle mass had poorer parasympathetic activity. Since mean values of HRV parameters indicated mild parasympathetic dominance, we conclude that physical activity and consequently good muscle mass potentially compensated for the negative interaction between fat tissue and HRV.
More Related Videos
09:04Skeletal Muscle Neurovascular Coupling, Oxidative Capacity, and Microvascular Function with 'One Stop Shop' Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Published on: February 20, 2018
05:48Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
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...
01:20Exercise 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...
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...