title: Autonomic Modulation in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy during a Computer Task: A Prospective Control Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness that can lead to disability. Owing to functional difficulties faced by individuals with DMD, the use of assistive technology is essential to provide or facilitate functional abilities. In DMD, cardiac autonomic dysfunction has been reported in addition to musculoskeletal impairment. Consequently, the objective was to investigate acute cardiac autonomic responses, by Heart Rate Variability (HRV), during computer tasks in subjects with DMD.
  
  
  METHODS
  HRV was assessed by linear and nonlinear methods, using the heart rate monitor Polar RS800CX chest strap Electrocardiographic measuring device. Then, 45 subjects were included in the group with DMD and 45 in the healthy Typical Development (TD) control group. They were assessed for twenty minutes at rest sitting, and five minutes after undergoing a task on the computer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individuals with DMD had a statistically significant lower parasympathetic cardiac modulation at rest when compared to the control group, which further declined when undergoing the tasks on the computer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DMD patients presented decreased HRV and exhibited greater intensity of cardiac autonomic responses during computer tasks characterized by vagal withdrawal when compared to the healthy TD control subjects.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy Department, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mayra Priscila Boscolo
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.affiliation: Federal University of São Paulo, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Talita Dias da
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Neurology/Neurosurgery, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Francis Meire
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8063-8167
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Favero
authors.affiliation: Autonomic Nervous System Center Study, Speech Therapy Department Faculty of Sciences, Paulista State University (UNESP), Marília, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vitor Engrácia
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Valenti
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Design and Scientific Writing, Department of Community Health, ABC Medical School, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Daminello
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Raimundo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Paulista State University (UNESP), Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz Carlos Marques
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Vanderlei
authors.affiliation: Cardiorespiratory Research Group, Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Garner
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy Department, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.|School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carlos Bandeira de Mello
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Monteiro
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005717:Games, Experimental; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012146:Rest / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018910:Video Games