Validation of a Questionnaire Measuring Autonomic Function
Author Information
Author(s): Kröz M, Feder G, von Laue HB, Zerm R, Reif M, Girke M, Matthes H, Gutenbrunner C, Heckmann C
Primary Institution: Research Institute Havelhöhe (FIH) at the Havelhöhe Community Hospital, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
To validate a questionnaire measuring self-reported autonomic regulation in patients with chronic conditions.
Conclusion
The study found that the long-version scale of autonomic regulation showed consistent relationships with health, quality of life, and personality.
Supporting Evidence
- Principal component analysis yielded a three-dimensional 18-item inventory of autonomic regulation.
- The subscales showed internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
- Autonomic regulation was negatively associated with anxiety and depression.
- High autonomic regulation scores correlated with better quality of life.
- 92.2% of participants with chronic conditions showed a loss of autonomic regulation.
- Men had higher autonomic regulation scores than women.
- Further studies are needed to clarify external validity and clinical relevance.
Takeaway
Researchers created a questionnaire to help understand how well people's bodies manage automatic functions like digestion and heart rate, especially in sick people.
Methodology
A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted with 440 participants, including patients with various chronic conditions and healthy controls, using a validated questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the hybrid nature of the scale measuring both trait and state.
Limitations
The validation was limited to self-reported inventories, and further physiological studies are needed.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 316 women and 124 men, with an average age of 56.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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