Using heart rate patterns to predict substance use in early adolescents
Official title: Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia as a Predictor of Substance Use among Early Adolescents
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-10866567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in heart rate can help spot early signs of substance use risk in young teens by using a fun virtual reality task to see how they handle their emotions, which could help identify those who might need support before they start using drugs or alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $691,460 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA050603-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866567 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for substance use due to emotional regulation challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those who do not exhibit any risk behaviors related to substance use may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a measure of heart rate variability, can help identify early adolescents at risk for substance use. By utilizing a novel virtual reality task, researchers will assess emotion regulation patterns in adolescents, which are crucial for understanding their risk behaviors. The study aims to determine if RSA can serve as a reliable predictor of substance use, providing insights that do not rely on self-reported data. This approach could lead to early identification of at-risk youth, allowing for timely intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early identification and prevention strategies for substance use among adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using physiological measures like RSA to predict emotional and behavioral outcomes, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Houck, Christopher D. — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Houck, Christopher D.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.