title: Baroreflex sensitivity is associated with sleep-related breathing problems in adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationship between sleep-related breathing problems (SRBPs) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) among adolescents and assesses whether body mass influences this relationship.
  
  
  METHODS
  SRBPs were assessed in 106 adolescents aged 11-14 years using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and 5 minutes of continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (Finapres) and R-R interval were recorded (standard electrocardiogram) after 15 minutes of supine rest. Spectral indices were computed using fast Fourier transform, and transfer function analysis was used to compute BRS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regression analyses indicate an interaction between BMI and SRBPs (b=-.151, P=.015) on BRS. Graphing the interaction showed that those with higher SRBP scores had lower BRS but that this effect was stronger for those with higher BMI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adolescents with elevated SRBP scores had lower BRS. In addition, higher BMI amplified the risk of higher SRBP scores on BRS.
authors: Department of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Nicole S
authors: NS
authors: Coverdale
authors: Laura K
authors: LK
authors: Fitzgibbon
authors: Graham J
authors: GJ
authors: Reid
authors: Terrance J
authors: TJ
authors: Wade
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Cairney
authors: Deborah D
authors: DD
authors: O'Leary
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000502:physiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology*