Cardiorespiratory predictors of decreased neurodynamic performance in young adults residing in a Northern region

Introduction. Preserving the working population in strategically important northern territories is a key national priority. Aim. To identify cardiorespiratory predictors that influence the decline in neurodynamic indicators of work capacity among young individuals permanently living in a Northern region. Materials and methods. The study included 123 individuals aged 18–45 years, permanently residing in the oil- and gas-producing northern region of KhantyMansiysk Autonomous Okrug–Yugra in Russia. Exclusion criteria were shift workers, acute respiratory infections (ARI) at the time of examination, and any chronic diseases. Participants were divided into two groups: 90 individuals who experienced ARI fewer than four times a year and 33 individuals who experienced ARI four or more times a year. Neurodynamic, hemodynamic, and spirometric parameters, inflammation markers, and cardiorespiratory predictors of reduced neurodynamic performance were assessed. Results. Decreased neurodynamic performance was detected in 36.4% of frequently ill participants versus 17.8% of infrequently ill participants. Compared to the group of infrequently ill persons, the group of frequently ill persons had longer residence in the northern region, lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ), higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), increased central systolic aortic pressure (cSAP), and a higher LF/HF ratio in heart rate variability due to reduced high-frequency (HF) power. In addition, the group of frequently ill persons exhibited elevated lymphocyte counts and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Inter-system associations were found among neurodynamic indices, respiratory function, hemodynamics, heart rate variability, and inflammatory activity. Conclusion. Cardiorespiratory predictors of decreased neurodynamic performance in young adults permanently residing in a northern region include a tendency toward reduced FEV 1 , elevated SBP and DBP, increased cSAP, and an increased LF/HF ratio in heart rate variability. Longer residence in the North and higher hs-CRP levels also play a significant role in the development of cardiorespiratory pathology affecting neurodynamic performance.