Cognitive performance and Heart rate variability: The influence of menstrual cycle in young subjects

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Original Article

Author Details : Vikram Gowda N R*, Pavithra Sree Nath

Volume : 7, Issue : 1, Year : 2020

Article Page : 62-67

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijcap.2020.014

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Abstract

Introduction: Menstrual cycle characterized by various dynamic alterations in sex steroidal hormones not
only alters the reproductive organs but also various systemic organs and hence higher functions are one
among them. This study is an attempt to determine the influence of various hormones on cognitive function
using short term heart rate variability analysis in different phases of menstrual cycle.
Materials and Methods: Thirty participants were subjected for the baseline recording of HRV and
psychomotor vigilance test and short term memory test along with HRV recording in three subsequent
numbers of times to study variations in three different phases of menstrual cycle . Both time domain
and frequency domain parameters were studied during resting state and while performing psychomotor
vigilance test and short term memory test.
Results: The time domain and frequency domain parameters on comparison with resting state to during
psychomotor vigilance test and short term memory test parameters were statistically insignificant in all
three phases recorded. Unlikely on comparison of heart rate variability parameters both times domain
and frequency domain values of RRI, RMSSD and LF (nu) values were statistically significant across the
different phases suggesting upper hand of sympathetic tone.
Conclusion: The present study indicated increased sympathetic discharge during follicular phase on
comparison to luteal and menstrual phase. The results also indicated a change in cognitive functioning
during different phases due to hormonal variations.

Keywords: Menstrual cycle, Heart rate variability, Psychomotor vigilance test.

How to cite : Vikram Gowda N R, Nath P S, Cognitive performance and Heart rate variability: The influence of menstrual cycle in young subjects. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2020;7(1):62-67

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