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Updated: May 10, 2026
Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Heart rate variability (HRV) after traumatic brain injury (TBI): a scoping review
Shanti M Pinto1, Brittany Wright2, Shreyas Annaswamy3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, O'Donnell Brain Institute Clinical Neuroscience Scholar, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Background:
Heart rate variability (HRV), defined as the variability between successive heart beats, is a noninvasive measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, which may be altered following traumatic brain injury (TBI). This scoping review summarizes the existing literature regarding changes in HRV after TBI as well as the association between measures of HRV and outcomes following TBI.
Methods:
A literature search for articles assessing 'heart rate variability' and 'brain injury' or 'concussion' was completed. Articles were included if HRV was measured in human subjects with TBI or concussion. Review articles, protocol papers, and studies including non-traumatic injuries were excluded.
Results:
Sixty-three articles were included in this review. Varied methods were used to measure HRV in the different studies. Forty articles included information about differences in HRV measures after TBI and/or longitudinal changes after TBI. Fifteen studies assessed HRV and symptoms following TBI, and 15 studies assessed HRV and either functional or cognitive outcomes after TBI.
Conclusions:
HRV has been studied in the context of mortality, clinical symptoms, and medical, functional, or cognitive outcomes following TBI. Methods used to measure HRV have varied amongst the different studies, which may impact findings, standardized protocols are needed for future research.
