Investigating Neuronal and Peripheral Markers of Brain Heart Interaction in Healthy Participants Under Stress (HRV_DB)

This study seeks to investigate which regions of the brain are relevant in the regulation of cardiac control and how the interplay between HRV and those regions change during different physiological states (stress versus relaxation). In order to achieve this, we will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an experimental task consisting of deep breathing and a psychosocial stress task (Montreal Imaging Stress Task).

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Stress, Physiological; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Heart Rate

Detailed Description

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important indicator of an organism's ability to adapt and regulate autonomic cardiac function. High heart rate variability is an indicator of good adaptability to physical and mental demands, while decreased HRV is associated with increased vulnerability to psychological and physical stressors. Previous studies have shown that the central autonomic network, composed of several regions of the brain such as the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, play an important role in regulating heart rate variability. However, the exact neural correlates and underlying neural mechanisms involved in autonomic cardiac control are still a subject of investigation. Furthermore, the dynamic connectivity between heart rate variability and the central autonomic network under changing physiological circumstances remains largely unexplored. This study seeks to investigate which regions of the brain are especially relevant in the regulation of cardiac control and how the interplay between HRV and those regions change during different physiological states (stress versus relaxation). In order to achieve this, we will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an experimental task consisting of deep breathing and a psychosocial stress task (Montreal Imaging Stress Task). This paradigm will allow assessing the dynamic interplay between the heart and the brain. 30 healthy participants will be recruited, in addition to fMRI scanning participants will perform a psychometric test battery. A better understanding of these psychobiological mechanisms is a fundamental requirement for a better understanding of the autonomic regulation of HRV and the development of improved treatment strategies for disorders characterized by an impaired autonomic system and reduced HRV.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 25

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Germany
  • Heidelberg, Germany
    • University Hospital Heidelberg

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 55 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy participants

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Over age of 18 years.
2. Right-handedness.
3. Normal or corrected-to-normal vision.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of head injury or surgery
2. History of neurological disorder
3. Severe psychiatric comorbidity (psychosis, bipolar disorder, substance abuse)
4. Smoking
5. Borderline personality disorder
6. Current psychotropic medication
7. Inability to undergo fMRI scan (e.g. metallic implants, claustrophobia, pacemakers)
8. Pregnancy

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Case-Only
• Time Perspectives: Cross-Sectional

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Experimental fMRI task (Stress induction following paced breathing)	Participants are instructed to breathe at a very low pace and then have to complete an arithmethic task designed to induce stress.	30 minutes
HRV reactivity during stress	Heart Rate Variability is assessed during MRI scanning using plethysmography.	30 minutes

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Heidelberg Medical Center
• Collaborators: University of Cologne

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 1, 2022
• Primary Completion (Actual): June 1, 2023
• Study Completion (Actual): September 1, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 28, 2022
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 2, 2022
• First Posted (Actual): May 3, 2022

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): November 29, 2023
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 28, 2023
• Last Verified: November 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: heart rate variability; fmri
• Other Study ID Numbers: S-070/2022

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No