Infant weight-for-length gain associated with autonomic nervous system reactivity
Short Summary: This study investigated the relationship between early weight gain in infants and the development of their autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation. The results showed that greater than average weight-for-length gain during the first 6 months of life was associated with ANS dysregulation at 6 months. These findings suggest that early adiposity gain is a risk factor for ANS dysregulation, which can inform early intervention programs for obesity prevention and promoting self-regulation in infancy.
Scientific Abstract: Background: Research suggests that children's health and well-being are supported by core adaptive systems, including the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Despite evidence for the importance of adulthood ANS regulation in the development of disease, few studies have examined how early development may influence emerging ANS function. Therefore, we examined how infant adiposity gain during early infancy related to ANS regulation at 6 months. Methods: Infant weight and length were abstracted from birth records and measured during the 6-month assessment in a low-income, racially/ethnically diverse sample (N = 60). WHO-standardized weight-for-length-gain change was calculated across the first 6 months of life. ANS reactivity was measured as the combined sympathetic (i.e., pre-ejection period) and parasympathetic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia) nervous system responses during the developmentally challenging Still Face Paradigm (SFP). ANS "classic reactivity" response was characterized by paired sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal. Results: Lower weight-for-length gain in the first 6 months predicted classic reactivity during still face. However, greater weight-for-length gain predicted "classic reactivity" during the reunion, when infants were expected to recover, suggesting autonomic dysregulation. Conclusions: These findings suggest an association between early life adiposity gain and the development of infant ANS regulation. Impact: Adiposity gain during early infancy was associated with autonomic nervous system regulation at 6 months. This study identifies early adiposity gain (greater than average infant weight-for-length gain) as a risk for ANS dysregulation. This research focuses on a critical developmental period of ANS plasticity. If confirmed, findings can be used to inform early intervention programs targeting obesity prevention and to promote self-regulation.
Authors: Rudd KL, Alkon A, Abrams B, Bush NR.