Spectral analysis has been largely used to investigate hypnotisability-related differences in heart rate variability. At variance with this classical approach, the present study is based on the Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), a non linear method able to describe different features of heart rate dynamics. RQA was used in 17 not hypnotized highly hypnotisable (highs ) and 17 low hypnotisable subjects (lows) paying attention to a non-emotional movie during which spectral analysis had detected gender, but not hypnotisability related differences. Results showed higher absorption scores (TAS) in highs than in lows only among males, higher attention to the movie in females, no correlation between TAS and reported attention. RQA indices detected gender, but not hypnotisability-related differences in the predictability of heart rate dynamics and confirmed the parasympathetic prevalence observed in females through spectral analysis. Moreover, a few RQA indices were modulated by present attention and not by absorption, whereas spectral indices were not influenced by any of these subjective variables. Thus, RQA of heart rate dynamics seems to be a useful tool to characterize individual cognitive states.
Heart rate dynamics in subjects with different hypnotisability
SANTARCANGELO, ENRICA LAURA
2014-01-01
Abstract
Spectral analysis has been largely used to investigate hypnotisability-related differences in heart rate variability. At variance with this classical approach, the present study is based on the Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), a non linear method able to describe different features of heart rate dynamics. RQA was used in 17 not hypnotized highly hypnotisable (highs ) and 17 low hypnotisable subjects (lows) paying attention to a non-emotional movie during which spectral analysis had detected gender, but not hypnotisability related differences. Results showed higher absorption scores (TAS) in highs than in lows only among males, higher attention to the movie in females, no correlation between TAS and reported attention. RQA indices detected gender, but not hypnotisability-related differences in the predictability of heart rate dynamics and confirmed the parasympathetic prevalence observed in females through spectral analysis. Moreover, a few RQA indices were modulated by present attention and not by absorption, whereas spectral indices were not influenced by any of these subjective variables. Thus, RQA of heart rate dynamics seems to be a useful tool to characterize individual cognitive states.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
