AUTONOMIC AND NEUROHUMORAL REGULATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE HUMAN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive study of the mechanisms of autonomic and neurohumoral regulation of the functional state of the human central nervous system (CNS), which constitutes an important aspect of investigating the adaptive capacities of the organism under modern living conditions. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the CNS performs a leading integrative role in coordinating the activity of organs and systems, maintaining homeostasis, and forming adaptive responses. The effectiveness of its functioning is largely determined by the coordinated interaction between the autonomic nervous system and humoral regulatory mechanisms.

The empirical part of the study was conducted with the participation of 36 university students (18 males and 18 females) aged 18–20 years, assigned to the main physical education group. The selection of this age category is обусловлений by the completion of stable physiological pattern formation and the increased sensitivity of regulatory systems to academic and psycho-emotional loads. Assessment of the functional state was carried out using non-invasive express methods that allow for an objective characterization of the organism’s regulatory capabilities without the use of complex medical equipment.

Analysis of cardiovascular parameters at rest revealed the stability of hemodynamic indicators and the predominance of a normotonic type of regulation in most participants. An adequate increase in heart rate during the orthostatic test (+11.7 beats·min⁻¹) indicated a preserved ability of the sympathetic division to rapidly mobilize functional reserves, ensuring the stability of cerebral circulation and maintenance of CNS functional state during postural changes. The results of the Stange (41.6±2.4 s) and Genchi (26.8±1.9 s) breath-holding tests confirmed sufficient resistance of neural centers to hypoxic influences. Psychophysiological analysis demonstrated an optimal level of cortical excitability (mean reaction latency – 242±9 ms); however, individual variability of indicators suggests signs of functional fatigue in some participants, likely caused by the cumulative effect of academic stress and psycho-emotional strain.

It has been demonstrated that comprehensive assessment of autonomic and neurohumoral status is an objective tool for monitoring the health of young adults. The informativeness of the applied methods for screening studies substantiates their recommendation for implementation in the educational process to enable early detection of maladaptive changes.