title: Relationship between physical activity and the very low-frequency component of heart rate variability after stroke.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The present study aimed to clarify the relationship between high physical activity (PA) and function of the autonomic nervous system, which is important in the prognosis after stroke. We hypothesized a positive association between PA and the very low-frequency (VLF) component of heart rate variability (HRV).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients participated in this study. PA was measured using an accelerometer, and HRV was measured using a heart rate monitor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant and positive relationship was observed between the VLF component of HRV and PA. A significant negative relationship was observed between the VLF component of HRV and the duration of inactivity. No significant relationship was identified between the low-to-high frequency ratio of HRV and between the high-frequency component of HRV and PA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A positive correlation was observed between the VLF component of HRV and PA in stroke patients. Therefore, the VLF component of HRV links PA to cardiovascular prognosis.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Seirei Christopher University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. Electronic address: 13dr01@g.seirei.ac.jp.
authors: Harunobu
authors: H
authors: Usui
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Science, Seirei Christopher University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
authors: Yuusuke
authors: Y
authors: Nishida
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*
keywords: Physical activity; autonomic nervous system; heart rate variability; stroke; very low frequency