The Autonomic Nervous System and its Relationship to Human Performance and Recovery

Erin Langan* and Scott Galster, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505

Field (Broad Category): Neuroscience (Health Sciences) 

Student’s Major: Neuroscience 

The two parts of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS), are major components to one’s ability to survive. Each of the two parts has individual capabilities that aid in physiological function. The SNS, for example, is most active in times of danger or excitement. It can increase heart rate and sweat production, slow digestion, and more. The PSNS is most active during recovery. It decreases heart rate and blood pressure, aids in digestion, and more. Both systems, therefore, are important to human performance and recovery. The SNS and PSNS can be activated through artificial means in order to improve physiological function, whether it be in terms of an athlete or veteran’s performance on a physical test or of the average person’s ability to recover quickly from a surgery. In order to test this, a number of physiological tests that indicate ANS function can be done under various conditions. Some of these tests include monitoring heart rate and Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Other tests, like Electrodermal Activity (EDA) measures, that focus on sweat production can also be recorded. These tests, along with measures of performance such as tests of cognitive ability and tests of physical ability, can be used to indicate whether the SNS or PSNS is dominantly activated. We can also use these tests to examine the efficacy of next generation recovery modalities such as photobiomodulation, cryotherapy, and the use of floatation tanks to modify the state activation of these systems. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course