Heart rate variability during a continuous performance test in children with problems of attention.

BACKGROUND

Children with impulsive behavior and poor self regulation have been shown to have low parasympathetic tone. High vagal tone is associated with attention to novel stimuli.

OBJECTIVE

To study if Heart Rate Variability, an index of vagal tone, is a mediator of attention.

METHOD

77 children who performed a Continuous Performance test (TOVA test) had their EKG recorded for Heart Rate Variability Measurements. Subjects were assigned to groups according to their performance on the TOVA test and a general linear model for repeated measures applied. Pearson Correlations were applied for TOVA scores and HRV Values at four epochs.

RESULTS

No individual correlations were found between Attention Scores and HRV. However, there was a significant group difference showing that good performers had a higher "vagal" tone than poor performers.

CONCLUSION

The parasympathetic system as measured through HRV is not a mediator of attention. HRV may be an indicator of better health and ability to self regulate.