Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Sep 2020
Review Meta AnalysisHeart Rate Variability Biofeedback Improves Emotional and Physical Health and Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.
We performed a systematic and meta analytic review of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) for various symptoms and human functioning. We analyzed all problems addressed by HRVB and all outcome measures in all studies, whether or not relevant to the studied population, among randomly controlled studies. Targets included various biological and psychological problems and issues with athletic, cognitive, and artistic performance. ⋯ HRVB improves symptoms and functioning in many areas, both in the normal and pathological ranges. It appears useful as a complementary treatment. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy for particular applications.
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Jun 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialSymptom Management Among Cancer Survivors: Randomized Pilot Intervention Trial of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback.
Chronic cancer-related symptoms (stress, fatigue, pain, depression, insomnia) may be linked with sympathetic nervous system over-activation and autonomic imbalance. Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic dysregulation that is commonly observed among cancer survivors. HRV biofeedback (HRVB) training induces HRV coherence, which maximizes HRV and facilitates autonomic and cardiorespiratory homeostasis. ⋯ This pilot intervention found that HRVB training reduced symptoms of sleep disturbance among cancer survivors. Larger-scale interventions are warranted to further evaluate the role of HRVB for managing symptoms in this population. Registration: NCT03692624 www.clinicaltrials.gov.
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Dec 2019
Heart Rate Variability, Cortisol and Attention Focus During Shamatha Quiescence Meditation.
Cardiac vagal tone can be seen as a stable marker for the ability to sustain attention and regulate emotion, two factors associated with the quality of meditation. In this study, heart rate variability (HRV) has been monitored in different forms of Shamatha quiescence meditation: three breath meditations, Settling the Mind in its natural state, Awareness of Awareness, Loving-kindness and Tonglen. Establish and test a practical means of monitoring neurobiological effects of meditation. ⋯ Six weeks of regular practice in Shamatha meditation contributes to a substantial increase of attention focus and a decrease in stress levels evidenced in changes in diurnal cortisol measures. HRV biofeedback shows that the sympathetic nervous system is counterbalanced by increased vagal tone, and autonomic balance is enhanced by all Shamatha meditations, not only breath meditations, but also mind meditations: Settling the Mind in its natural state, Awareness of Awareness, Loving-kindness and Tonglen. Although these results are promising, further research is recommended with HRV biofeedback instruments to report statistical analysis and to understand unique HRV patterns in Shamatha mind meditation.
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Mar 2019
Pilot Study of a Single Session Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention on Veterans' Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms.
Veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms exhibit reduced heart rate variability characteristic of autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Studies show heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is effective in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms by improving autonomic functioning. Participants in this pilot study were veterans of different war eras with military-related posttraumatic stress symptoms. ⋯ HRVB significantly reduced global posttraumatic stress symptoms, whereas diaphragmatic breathing alone did not. Further, veterans found the approach acceptable, as demonstrated by a high degree of adherence with prescribed practice, low study attrition, and continued use over time. Results of this pilot study warrant further refinement of a protocol utilizing mHealth to treat posttraumatic stress symptoms in military populations.
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Dec 2018
ReviewA Critical Review of the "Undoing Hypothesis": Do Positive Emotions Undo the Effects of Stress?
Research in affective science has shown that trait positive affect reduces the risk of developing disease and is protective against the progression of certain diseases. Research also suggests that trait positive affect predisposes individuals to more frequent experiences of positive emotional states. The undoing effect has been proposed as a potential mechanism explaining how positive emotions influence health outcomes. ⋯ First, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the occurrence of positive emotional states speeds physiological recovery. Second, there was insufficient evidence to evaluate the undoing hypothesis as a potential mechanism through which state positive emotions affect health. Future research should focus on identifying the key parameters responsible for demonstrating the undoing effect when it is observed in order to understand how the experience of positive emotions may exert positive effects on health outcomes.