Premium
A Meta‐analysis on Resting State High‐frequency Heart Rate Variability in Bulimia Nervosa
Author(s) -
Peschel Stephanie K. V.,
Feeling Nicole R.,
Vögele Claus,
Kaess Michael,
Thayer Julian F.,
Koenig Julian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
european eating disorders review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.511
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1099-0968
pISSN - 1072-4133
DOI - 10.1002/erv.2454
Subject(s) - bulimia nervosa , meta analysis , heart rate variability , body mass index , vagal tone , heart rate , eating disorders , resting heart rate , psychology , autonomic nervous system , medicine , autonomic function , cardiology , clinical psychology , blood pressure
Objective Autonomic nervous system function is altered in eating disorders. We aimed to quantify differences in resting state vagal activity, indexed by high‐frequency heart rate variability comparing patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and healthy controls. Methods A systematic search of the literature to identify studies eligible for inclusion and meta‐analytical methods were applied. Meta‐regression was used to identify potential covariates. Results Eight studies reporting measures of resting high‐frequency heart rate variability in individuals with BN ( n = 137) and controls ( n = 190) were included. Random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed a sizeable main effect ( Z = 2.22, p = .03 ; Hedge's g = 0.52, 95% CI [0.06;0.98]) indicating higher resting state vagal activity in individuals with BN. Meta‐regression showed that body mass index and medication intake are significant covariates. Discussion Findings suggest higher vagal activity in BN at rest, particularly in unmedicated samples with lower body mass index. Potential mechanisms underlying these findings and implications for routine clinical care are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.