Association of heart rate variability and lifestyle during mobility restriction in Japanese college students: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Mobility restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic have affected individuals’ lifestyles. Autonomic nerve activity fluctuates in response to physical and psychological states and can be assessed using heart rate variability (HRV). This study investigated the associations between HRV-based sympathetic activity, physical activity and dietary habits, and psychological stress in Japanese college students during pandemic-related mobility restrictions.METHODS: Physiological and behavioral measurements were conducted over two days: a sedentary day spent at home and an active day involving exercise with each college club. Electrocardiographic data was obtained using a wearable system to record the heart rate for 24 hours. Sympathetic activity was evaluated using a power spectral analysis of HRV. Questionnaires assessed physical activity and dietary habits and psychological state.RESULTS: The stress values estimated from sympathetic nerve activity were higher on sedentary than on active days. A positive correlation was observed between the estimated stress and negative psychological states. The estimated stress value was negatively associated with physical activity.CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that high psychological stress and sympathetic nerve activation were likely linked to altered dietary habits and reduced physical activity. HRV-based stress estimation may be useful for assessing psychological stress and autonomic function in young adults under restricted mobility conditions.