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Heart rate variability in children with cerebral palsy: review of the literature and meta-analysis.

PMID 24990007 (2014): heart rate variability, hrv — Recovery speed (study note for endurance athletes).

Last updated/Feb 23, 2026, 10:34 PM

Study note • PMID 24990007

Heart rate variability in children with cerebral palsy: review of the literature and meta-analysis.

NeuroRehabilitation2014 • DOI 10.3233/NRE-141097
Evidence B75/100
Action 1: Default

Low risk + high feasibility for most athletes.

ELI5

In plain language

A systematic review which aims to assess the evidence regarding the function of the autonomic heart rate regulation system among children with cerebral palsy (CP). (systematic review / meta-analysis; participants).

In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract reports associations involving Recovery speed (not necessarily causation). Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: A systematic review which aims to assess the evidence regarding the function of the autonomic heart rate regulation system among children with cerebral palsy (CP).
  • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract reports associations involving Recovery speed (not necessarily causation).
  • Population: participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 18 months.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: heart rate variability, hrv.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 18 months.
  • Outcomes: Recovery speed.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it helps, and who should skip it

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (participants) working on monitoring.
  • Athletes who can measure Recovery speed with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should skip

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population: participants.
  • Outcomes measured: Recovery speed.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 18 months.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 24990007 (2014) — NeuroRehabilitation.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

In addition, HRV parameters' mean values, are significantly lower among children with CP compared to typically developed (TD) control.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations & bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources