Sensory Behaviours and Resting Parasympathetic Functions among Children with and without ADHD

Ivan Neil Gomez (Corresponding Author), Lissa Martha Domondon, Wing Hong Hector Tsang, Che Hin Chan, Yuen Yi Cynthia Lai

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous studies suggest that parasympathetic functions support sensory behaviours. However, the relationship between sensory behaviours and parasympathetic functions remain inconclusive and inconsistent among children with and without attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 'is research aims to examine the sensory behaviours and resting parasympathetic functions among children with and without ADHD. We compared sensory behaviours and baseline parasympathetic functions of 64 participants, with 42 typically developing and 24 ADHD male children aged 7–12 years. Sensory behaviours were evaluated
using the sensory profile. Baseline parasympathetic functions were indexed using the normalized unit of heart rate variability high-frequency bands (HF n.u.). Children underwent an experimental protocol consisting of watching a silent cartoon movie while HF n.u. is continuously monitored, within a controlled environment. 'e results of this research showed significantly lower HF n.u. (t(64) = 7.84, p < 0.01) and sensory processing total score (t(64) = 14.13, p < 0.01) among children with ADHD compared to their typically developing peers. Likewise, a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.36, p < 0.05) was found between the HF n.u. and sensory profile total scores among children with ADHD. Children with ADHD have significantly lower resting state parasympathetic functions compared to their typically developing peers.
Original languageEnglish
Article number6615836
JournalThe Scientific World Journal
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • heart rate variability
  • parasympathetic
  • sensory
  • children

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