Beyond Clinical Signs: The Interplay Between Vagal Tone and Lethargic Behavior in Preterm Infants
Journal
Developmental Neuropsychology
ISSN
8756-5641
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Catano-Cedillo, Liz
Rendón-Macías, Mario Enrique
Type
text::journal::journal article
Abstract
In this cross-sectional, observational study, the association between lethargy and vagal tone was analyzed in thirteen low-risk preterm infants. Infants underwent behavioral assessment and vagal tone measurement indexed by high-frequency heart-rate variability (HF-HRV). A lower vagal tone cluster was associated with greater lethargy (p = .05), reduced handling (p = .003), excitability (p = .006), higher skin stress indicators (p = .13), and central nervous system stress indicators (p = .10) than cluster with a higher vagal tone cluster. A lower vagal tone could indicate autonomic nervous system dysregulation or immaturity, leading to neurobehavioral challenges, such as lethargy and further neurodevelopmental difficulties. ©The authors ©Informa UK Limited ©Developmental Neuropsychology.
License
Acceso Restringido
How to cite
Aldrete-Cortez, V., Catano-Cedillo, L., & Rendón-Macías, M. E. (2025). Beyond Clinical Signs: The Interplay Between Vagal Tone and Lethargic Behavior in Preterm Infants. Developmental Neuropsychology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/87565641.2025.2477531