Effects of stimulation by nostalgic images on heart rate variability

Mental disorders, such as depression, that result from high levels of mental stress are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In previous studies, symptoms of depression have been associated with reduction of heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this study was to provide a video for the prevention of depression and to clarify the probability of HRV reduction. Three types of videos were provided: the sea image, the ward image, and the nostalgic image. The nostalgic image consisted of several plays that were enjoyed by the subjects during their own childhood. HRV components, including high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components, were evaluated using power spectrum analysis in eight healthy males (57.8 ± 3.8 years of age) while they viewed the three images. These study results showed that subjects viewing the nostalgic image maintained the same level of HF as in the sea image. In contrast, the level of CVRR in the nostalgic image viewing had an increasing trend unlike the sea image. These findings suggest that the nostalgic image seems to result both in relaxation and activation effects of autonomic activity.

heart rate variability

depression

high-frequency (HF) components

low-frequency (LF) components