Increased heart rate functions as a signal of acute distress in non-communicating persons with intellectual disability.

摘要: Intellectual disability (ID) affects approximately 1% of the population. Some patients with severe or profound ID are essentially non-communicating and therefore risk experiencing pain distress without being able to notify their caregivers, which is a major health issue. This real-world proof concept study aimed see if heart rate (HR) monitoring could reveal whether persons experience acute in daily lives. We monitored HR 14 participants environment specific situations were associated increased HR. defined as being > 1 standard deviation above mean lasting > 5 s. In 11 out participants, indicated that not previously suspected be stressful, e.g. passive stretching spastic limbs transported patient lifts. Increased suggesting joy was detected three (during car rides, movies). some absence increase suggested distress. conclude may identify ID, allowing for improved care this group.