Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Dec 2014
A pilot study of audio-visual stimulation as a self-care treatment for insomnia in adults with insomnia and chronic pain.
This pilot study tested the efficacy of an audio-visual stimulation (AVS) program for the promotion of sleep in individuals with chronic pain. Insomnia and chronic pain are common comorbid conditions and their relationship has been viewed as bidirectional. Recent studies suggest a relatively dominant role of sleep in this dyad. ⋯ The results of this pilot study suggest that the AVS program may be efficacious in decreasing both insomnia and pain symptoms. In order to better assess the efficacy of AVS for sleep promotion and possible pain reduction, more definitive randomized controlled trials will be needed. These should include appropriate sample sizes, objective measures of sleep and pain, and longitudinal follow-up.
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Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback · Dec 2014
Pragmatic Clinical TrialHeart coherence training combined with back school in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: first pragmatic clinical results.
The aim of this study was to explore on which variables a stress reduction program based on heart coherence can enhance the effects of a back school (BS) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain and to explore possible moderators for treatment success. A retrospective explorative design was carried out with 170 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. 89 Patients were admitted to BS and 81 patients were selected for BS and heart coherence training (BS-HCT). Six sessions of heart coherence were provided. ⋯ Placebo controlled and blinded studies are needed to confirm this. Characteristics of individuals who might benefit remain unknown. Evidence of this study is considered a level C, because of its pragmatic clinical character.