Vol 17, Issue 2

Validity of a heart rate monitor for heart rate variability analysis during an orthostatic challenge

February 15, 2024 - By 

Authors

Christian Soto Catalan, University of Quebec at Montreal
Alain Steve Comtois PhD, University of Quebec in Montreal
David Martin
Suzzane LeClerc
International Journal of Exercise Science 17(2): 810-818, 2024. 
DOI:10.70252/QPJU6473

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is used as a measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and is based on heart rate (HR) beat-to-beat time interval variance analysis. Various techniques are used for recording HR, however, few studies have compared Holter-type recordings vs HR monitors (HRM) during an orthostatic challenge. OBJECTIVES: Compare HRV measures from an electrocardiogram (ECG) Holter and a HRM as a tool for investigating ANS response for post-concussion rehabilitation follow-up. METHODS: Twenty-seven participants (n = 27; 15 females, 12 males), 18 to 35 years old, non-smoking, no history of cardiac illness and physically active (3 times per week, 60 mins, moderate intensity exercise) participated in the study. ECG signals and HRM were recorded beat-to-beat (R‑R) simultaneously. A motorized tilt table was set at 0 degree for supine and 85 degrees for standing position. Participants were instructed to remain for 7 minutes in each position. R‑R signals from both Holter and Polar HRM recording starting points were matched before further analysis. Bland-Altman plots were used to compare recordings from the Holter (gold standard) and the Polar HRM in both positions. Unpaired t-test was used to compare measurements obtained with both systems. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between R‑R measurements taken with both systems under equal conditions (supine and standing). Same variables under similar conditions were significantly correlated (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Both recording and analysis systems (Holter vs HRM) yielded comparable results. Thus, both systems appear valid and interchangeable for HRV analysis for measuring orthostatic challenge HRV responses.

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