Research Description:

Heart Rate Variability and Learning in the Prematurea

Although survival rates of premature infants continue to accelerate, incidences of disabilities continue to rise in this population of newborns. Therefore, it is pertinent for researchers to focus on early intervention of possible hindrances to proper maturation in these babies.

This study’s goal is to evaluate the behavior of the premature newborn in comparison to the fetus, over similar time periods of growth. Conclusions from the preliminary study, dealing with the fetus, include nonlinear changes in heart rate variability (HRV). Definitive interactions between learning and HRV were also seen.

The target of this project is like that of the preliminary study where researchers will be looking at the effects of auditory stimuli, particularly the maternal voice. The population of this study comprise of twenty-eight premature newborns beginning at 27-28 weeks post conceptional age. These twenty-eight newborns are separated into two groups. Group One will begin recitation of a nursery rhyme by their mothers at 28 weeks while Group Two will not start until 32 weeks.

Weekly test sessions will assess and establish when familiarity/learning to the rhyme evolves. During the test session, the rhyme is recited by an unfamiliar voice. If there is a cardiac orienting response to this unfamiliar voice, it can be concluded that learning has occurred. The premature infant is recognizing the phonetic properties of the rhyme rather than their mother’s voice. Learning is expressed through a deceleration in heart rate due to the affects of the parasympathetic nervous system. Changes in HRV will be displayed through the use of power spectral analysis.

By identifying the normal developmental progression of HRV, healthcare officials will then be able to pinpoint abnormalities sooner. Thus, interventions can be implemented earlier with the hopes of minimizing the occurrences of disabilities in premature infants.