R-R interval variability with lower body positive pressure assessed by wavelet packet transform.

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) is used for simulation of microgravity due to central fluid shift. In the present study, we evaluate R-R interval variability, which is sometimes considered as an index of human cardiovascular autonomic nerve status. 10 healthy male subjects were set in a chamber with standing position. Chamber pressure was raised 10 mmHg each for every 3 minutes, up to +40 mmHg. Wavelet packet transform (WPT) followed by Hilbert transform was employed to analyze time-dependent changes in low frequency component (LF) and high frequency component (HF) of R-R interval variability. Calf circumference lowered according to chamber pressure. ABP was maintained throughout measurements. R-R interval was significantly higher at +30 and +40 mmHg compared to that of control. Standing LBPP causes higher HF and lower L/H probably due to central fluid shift, and WPT followed by Hilbert transform shows time-dependent changes in R-R interval variability.