OBJECTIVE:

The reliability of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is not yet fully understood, especially considering different body positions and the mathematical influence of heart rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of HRV in supine and standing positions, with and without mathematical adjustment of HRV by the average R-R interval (iRR).

METHODS:

We evaluated 37 young males (23.1±4 years; 25.1±3 kg/m2). A 5-min segment of the iRR was collected in the supine and standing positions on three occasions separated by 48-hour intervals. Absolute and relative reliability of temporal and spectral indices were assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.

RESULTS:

We did not observe differences in HRV indices in the three occasions in the supine or standing position (p>0.05). Moderate to good reproducibility was observed for temporal and spectral indices of HRV in the supine position (ICC: 0.65-0.89; CV: 0.9-19.8). In the orthostatic position, low to good reproducibility was observed (ICC: 0.35-0.89; CV: 1.1-34.8), with higher ICCs for temporal indices. After mathematical adjustment, only a small modification in HRV reliability was observed in both positions.

CONCLUSIONS:

In young adult males, the mathematical adjustment of HRV by the average iRR led to a nonsignificant effect on HRV reliability. Additionally, HRV reliability is dependent on body position and the index analyzed. Promising measures in both supine and standing positions include r-MSSD and the HF band (parasympathetic indices).