Time-frequency analysis of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data

In prior studies we have shown that Multi taper spectral techniques decrease the error in spectral estimates of HF-HRV, and increase the time resolution. These methods have been applied in recent research where traditional methods fail. Traditionally, HF-HRV is estimated from the power spectrum at 0.12 - 0.4 Hz, which is within the frequency range of respiration. In a recent study we narrowed the frequency range to 0.1 Hz, with the actual breathing frequency as the centre frequency, which improved the HF-HRV estimates.

In this project a validation of proposed techniques, in a larger sample will be conducted. We are also interested in evaluating whether an optimal HF-HRV frequency range can be found, as a continuation of a previous pre-study, investigating various frequency ranges. Different methods for estimation of time-varying breathing frequency may also be applied in connection to this.

Further, we are interested in investigating if properties of data can be used to tailor time-frequency kernels and multiple windows. One approach is to estimate the covariance properties of a set of data and use these properties to estimate an optimal time-frequency kernel. Using Multi window spectral estimations, other properties, such as sidelobe suppression of windows, reduction of the number of averaged spectrograms could be included.

Principal Investigator

Investigators

Partners

Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Laboratory Medicine

Duration

• Start date: January 2000