4.

3 Lab H32: Heart Rate Variability Analysis

4.3.1 Overview
This PRO Lesson describes basic and advanced heart rate variability measurements and
details hardware and software setup of the BSL PRO software to record ECG. All data
collection and analysis are done via the BIOPAC MP30 or MP35 data acquisition unit
and the BIOPAC Student Lab PRO software.  
Heart rate variability is where the amount of time between your heartbeats fluctuates
slightly. Even though these fluctuations are undetectable except with specialized devices,
they can still indicate current or future health problems, including heart conditions and
mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

4.3.2 Objective
This PRO Lesson will explain statistical measures, geometric measures, and spectral
analysis in heart rate variability studies.  
Statistical Measures: NN50 count, PNN50, RMSDD, SDANN, SDNN index, SDSD
Geometric Measures: HRV triangular index, TINN
Spectral Analysis: 5-min total power (ms 2), HF (ms2), LF (ms2), HLF norm (n.u.), LF
norm (n.u.), LF.HF ratio, VLF (ms2)

4.3.3 Equipment
 BIOPAC electrode lead set (SS2L) 
 BIOPAC Disposable Electrodes (EL503)—three per subject 
 Electrode gel and abrasive pad (BIOPAC GEL1 and ELPAD) 
 Computer running Windows XP or Mac OS X 
 BIOPAC Student Lab PRO software 
 BIOPAC Data Acquisition Unit (MP35/MP30) 
4.3.3 Set up

Electrode Position Lead Color

Centered on the anterior wrist (same side as the palm

Right Arm White
of the hand), about 0.5-1.0” down from the palm

Medial, just above the ankle, flat on skin (not over

Right Leg Black
bone)

Medial, just above the ankle, flat on skin (not over

Left Leg Red
bone)

Table 4.3.3 Set Up

4.3.4 Data Analysis

4.3.4.1 Statistical Measurements
Stddev
Standard deviation = 0.53745

Figure 4.3.4.1a Stddev

RMSSD

Figure 4.3.4.1b RMSSD

RMSSD = 2.327451 msec

SDSD

Figure 4.3.4.1c SDSD

SDSD = 179.240970 msec
NN50 Count

Figure 4.3.4.1d NN50 Count

NN50 Count = 243 msec

PNN50

Figure 4.3.4.1e PNN50

PNN50 = 25.87%
 4.3.4.2 Geometric Measurements
HRV triangular index:

Figure 4.3.4.2a Number of samples and number

Figure 4.3.4.b2 HRV triangular index

994 samples were taken; the number of hits in the modal bin was 60 and the triangular
index is 14.76
TINN (Triangular interpolation of NN)

Figure 4.3.4.2c Triangular interpolation of NN

On this histogram, TINN can be approximated as the difference between the start and the
end of the highlighted segment, i.e., 650.16 msec (delta x result).

4.3.4.3. Spectral Analysis

5 min total power (ms2 ) = 0.025040 ms2

Figure 4.3.4.3a 5 min total power

VLF =0,000193 ms2 ; LF = 0.000256 ms2 ; HF = 0.000364 ms2
LF norm = 1.03 n.u. ; HF norm = 1.46 n.u. ; LF/HF ratio = 0.7033
Power spectral density plot:

Figure 4.3.4.3b Power Spectral Density Graph