Ultradian
Rhythms in Children's Heart Rate during Play and Nap Time
R. Kaneko |
This
study reports evidence of ultradian rhythms in heart rate of children
during play and nap time. The assumption of this study is based on
the basic rest-activity cycle (BRAC) which manifests during wakefulness
and sleep as a continuous REM-NREM cycle with 60-70 min period in
children. The electro-cardiogram during play and nap time was recorded.
The data were subjected to spectral analysis and were examined for
the existence of periodicities. "There were the approximate
40 min and 20 min rhythms during play, while the dominant 77 min
rhythm can be detected during nap time. Slow rhythms during both
play and nap time appear to be an example of the BRAG though these
rhythms differ in period, but the fast rhythm has no clear basis.
Children's play was found to be modulated by the two rhythms.
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