Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Kaefer, L.
Two-Year Bi-Directional Associations Between Central Adiposity and Heart Rate Variability Among Pre-Adolescents
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medical University Graz; 2021. pp. 100
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Lafer Ingrid
- Petek Erwin
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- Abstract:
- Objective: In order to better understand how impairments in heart rate variability and the development of pediatric obesity are linked, this study investigated bi-directional prospective associations between central adiposity and heart rate variability indices at age 8-10 years and 10-12 years. By employing a cross-lagged panel design, we intended to examine the extent to which obesity is the cause or the consequence of changes in the cardiac autonomic nervous system. Methods: Data originate from a cohort study on the natural development of metabolic disease in children at risk for obesity. The present study comprises 406 children, including both boys (n = 229) and girls (n = 177) recruited from schools in Quebec, Canada. At baseline, 42 % of the children aged 8-10 years (9.6 ± 0.9) were considered overweight or obese. Short-term heart rate variability acquisition was performed; time- and frequency-domain parameters were derived allowing us to differentiate between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. Body fat distribution was determined through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and expressed by the ratio between android and gynoid fat mass. CDC BMI z-score and Waist-to-Height-Ratio were calculated and incorporated in separate models to help elucidate their clinical relevance. Bi-directional multiple linear regression models were adjusted for difference in body fat, sex, age, sexual maturity, and physical activity. Results: Positive associations between adiposity and LFnu and LF/HF-Ratio as well as negative associations between adiposity and HFnu were observed in either direction. Results in regards of LF were inconsistent. Lower levels of RMSSD and pNN50 at age 8-10 years were significantly associated with greater adiposity at age 10-12 years. Findings were consistent across all adiposity measures. Conclusion: A consistent sympathovagal imbalance in terms of a sympathetic predominance in either direction reinforces the idea of the autonomic nervous system being a meaningful contributor to both the emergence and maintenance of obesity. Children with at least one obese parent, who presented with lower parasympathetically-driven time-domain parameters (i.e. RMSSD and pNN50) at baseline, exhibited greater adiposity, particularly central fat, two years later, suggesting that heart rate variability parameters are a conceivable early sign of future weight gain. These findings highlight the potential of heart rate variability surveillance as a risk assessment tool for pediatric obesity.