Heart Rate Variability Parameters to Evaluate Autonomic Functions in Healthy Young Subjects during Short-Term “Dry” Immersion

Abstract

There is a gap in the current knowledge on the immediate mechanisms of cardiovascular regulation in human subjects within short-term exposure to modeled microgravity using “dry” immersion. Aim. The purpose of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular responses in young healthy subjects during a 45 min session with the help of linear and nonlinear heart rate variability and hemodynamics parameters. The research voluntarily enrolled 33 subjects (18 men, 15 women) aged 19–23 years old. Results. The study showed that systolic and diastolic blood pressure was quite stable, some time-domain parameters of heart rate variability (SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, etc.) and the frequency-domain (TP, HF, LF, but not VLF) have significantly increased within a 45 min “dry” immersion session. Of the non-linear parameters of heart rate variability, only ApEn significantly decreased during the “dry” immersion session. Conclusion. Our results suggest that a short-term 45 min DI session provokes in young healthy subjects neurogenic autonomic reaction based on the baroreceptor reflex. This provides stable hemodynamics in these subjects along the “dry” immersion session.

Keywords

• dry immersion
• microgravity
• heart rate variability
• blood pressure
• nonlinear dynamics
• autonomic function