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- The Effect of Music on Resistance to Mental Fatigue: Evidence from the EEG
Power Spectrum-
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Abstract: Abstract To evaluate the efficacy of listening to music in alleviating mental fatigue among healthy participants and to explore the neural evidence for this phenomenon via electroencephalography (EEG). Methods: A total of 30 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the music group or the control group. Mental fatigue was induced in both groups using a 30-minute Stroop task. Following this task, the music group listened to relaxing music for 20 min, whereas the control group sat quietly for the same duration. Measurements were taken at three time points: before the Stroop task, immediately after the Stroop task, and after the 20-minute intervention period. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and 3-minute resting-state EEG signals were collected at each time point. Results: The data indicated that listening to music significantly reduced mental fatigue. VAS scores decreased more in the music group than in the control group (P = 0.031). The EEG iAPF showed significant recovery in the music group (P < 0.0001). Delta power in the frontal region decreased significantly postintervention in the music group (P = 0.011). Theta and alpha power also decreased significantly in the music group across multiple brain regions (all Ps < 0.0076), with no significant changes observed in beta power. Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential of listening to relaxing music as a noninvasive and enjoyable intervention for mitigating the effects of mental fatigue. Moreover, iAPF, theta, and alpha power can serve as reliable biomarkers for assessing mental fatigue and the restorative effects of interventions such as music.
PubDate: 2025-01-31
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09691-4
- Comparing the Effects of Square, 4–7-8, and 6 Breaths-per-Minute
Breathing Conditions on Heart Rate Variability, CO2 Levels, and Mood-
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Abstract: Abstract Square and 4–7-8 breathing are popularly promoted by psychotherapists but have little empirical support. We hypothesized that breathing at 6 breaths per minute (bpm) would improve HRV, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood more than either square or 4–7-8 breathing. We also hypothesized square and 4–7-8 breathing would increase end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2). Eighty-four college students (60% female) had HRV measured at baseline and during 1) square breathing, 2) 4–7-8 breathing, 3) 6 bpm with a 4:6 inhale-to-exhale ratio, and 4) 6 bpm with a 5:5 ratio. We used a 3-lead electrocardiogram to measure HRV and a capnometer to measure PETCO2. We measured mood using the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) after each breathing condition. We used a repeated measures mixed effects model to examine the effects of each breathing technique on HRV, blood pressure, mood, and PETCO2 levels. Breathing at 6 bpm increased HRV measures more than square or 4–7-8 breathing with small to medium effects. None of the breathing conditions resulted in meaningful changes in blood pressure or mood. Unexpectedly, breathing at 6 bpm led to mild over-breathing. While various breathing techniques are used in psychotherapy, their relative efficacy remains unclear. This study found that breathing at 6 bpm is likely more effective at increasing HRV than square or 4–7-8 breathing, albeit with a higher risk of over-breathing. Future studies could examine whether these effects hold over multiple weeks of breathing practice and attend to the effects of different breathing techniques on CO2 levels.
PubDate: 2025-01-26
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09688-z
- Heart Rate Variability Predicts Therapy Outcome in Anxiety Disorders: The
Role of Inhibitory Learning-
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Abstract: Abstract Exposure therapy has been shown to be useful for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, there are individual differences in the extent to which this intervention is effective in reducing symptoms, and a substantial number of patients may experience a return of fear (ROF). The factors associated with successful therapy outcomes are an important topic of investigation as these factors might influence the nature of the interventions as well as enhance our understanding of the process associated with the disorder and its treatment. Here, we investigated the effect of resting heart rate variability (HRV) on ROF following exposure therapy in social phobics. In particular, using path modeling, we assessed the hypothesis that resting HRV prospectively predicts inhibitory learning, which, in turn, prospectively predicts ROF at follow-up. Forty adult participants (60% female) diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder were assigned to a single massed exposure therapy session. Self-reported behavioral and physiological responses were recorded pre-treatment, immediately following treatment, and at one-month follow-up. The Personalized Implicit Association Task (PIAT) was used as an implicit measure of inhibitory learning, and HF-HRV was taken as a measure of vagal activity. Results revealed that those with high pre-treatment HRV reported less negative implicit attitude towards public speaking after exposure (b = -0.044, p =.047) and showed reduced residual symptoms one month after treatment. (b = 2.247, p =.013). Taken together these results support exposure therapy models that emphasize the importance of inhibitory learning in extinction and are consistent with research linking HRV to inhibition.
PubDate: 2025-01-20
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09686-1
- Exploring the Correlation of Physiological Stress Signals with Student
Exam Performance: A Preliminary Study-
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Abstract: Abstract Stress responses in real-world settings are less studied compared to controlled laboratory environments, limiting our understanding of their impact on cognitive performance. This study investigates the relationship between physiological stress signals and academic performance using an open-access dataset of 10 students assessed across three exam sessions (Midterm 1, Midterm 2, and Final Exam). Physiological measures, including electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate (HR), and skin surface temperature (TEMP), along with exam grades, were analyzed using traditional hypothesis testing, bootstrap method, correlation analysis, and regression tree modeling. To address the small sample size, we validated traditional hypothesis test results with the bootstrap method, and both approaches were compatible. Hypothesis testing revealed no significant differences in physiological measures across exam sessions, supporting the null hypothesis. Grades differed significantly between the final exam and both midterms (p < 0.05). Stress fluctuations were also analyzed across three periods (beginning, middle, and end) for each exam, revealing temporal response variations. Correlation analysis showed a moderate negative relationship between EDA and HR (r = − 0.504, p < 0.01) and a weak positive relationship between EDA and TEMP (r = 0.417, p < 0.05), both intensifying during the final exam. Regression analysis explained 78% of the variance in grades (R2 = 0.78), with regression tree modeling identifying lower skin temperature (< 28 °C) and higher EDA (≥ 0.19) as predictors of poorer performance. These findings underscore the interplay between physiological stress responses and academic outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research and interventions to support student success.
PubDate: 2025-01-17
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-025-09685-2
- The Effect of Biofeedback on Constipation, Sleep, Depression, Anxiety and
Quality of Life in Patients with Dyssynergic Defecation: a QUASI
Experimental Study (Before and After Study)-
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Abstract: Abstract Dyssynergic defecation(DD) is the inability to coordinate abdominal and anorectal muscle contraction during defecation. Patients with constipation often report poor quality of life, sleep issues, and increased risk of mood disorders. Biofeedback is a recommended treatment for DD. we evaluated the effect of EMG-biofeedback on constipation symptoms as the primary outcome and also on insomnia, mood disorders (depression and anxiety), and quality of life as secondary outcomes in patients with dyssynergic defecation. Thirty-one patients with DD (74.2% women, mean age 46.23 ± 13.42 years), diagnosed using Rome IV criteria, Bristol Stool Form Scale, and anorectal manometry, were included. Patients underwent six to ten sessions of EMG-based biofeedback. We evaluated symptoms using the Wexner constipation questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), SF-36 for quality of life, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Hamilton questionnaires for anxiety and depression (HAM-A and HAM-D) before and after treatment. As consistent with study hypotheses, the Wexner scores significantly improved after biofeedback (p < 0.0001, t = 6.98). ISI scores improved (p = 0.01, t = 2.74), as did VAS scores (p < 0.0001, t = 5.14). HAM-A and HAM-D scores showed significant reductions (HAM-A: p = 0.0001, t = 5.01; HAM-D: p = 0.003, t = 2.17). However, SF-36 did not show significant improvement in quality of life (p > 0.05, t = -0.93). Biofeedback effectively improved constipation symptoms, insomnia, and mood disorders but did not impact quality of life.
PubDate: 2025-01-09
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09680-z
- The Effects of Resonance Frequency Breathing on Cardiovascular System and
Brain-Cardiopulmonary Interactions-
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Abstract: Abstract Resonance frequency (RF) is characterized as the specific frequency at which a system, equipped with delayed self-correction or negative feedback mechanisms, exhibits maximal amplitude oscillations in response to an external stimulus of a particular frequency. Emerging evidence suggests that the cardiovascular system has an inherent RF, and that breathing at this frequency can markedly enhance health and cardiovascular function. However, the efficacy of resonance frequency breathing (RFB) and the specific responses of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems during RFB remain unclear. In this study, we recruited 27 healthy young male subjects (aged 20–30 years) and used the corrected sliding method to accurately determine each subject’s RF. We then investigated cardiovascular activity, cardiorespiratory coupling, and the brain-cardiovascular network to clarify the effects and mechanisms associated with RFB. Our results indicate that: (a) the corrected sliding method can precisely evaluate RF; (b) the reduction in blood pressure is unique to RFB and not observed in other slow-paced breathing patterns (RF + 1 and 6 breaths per minute), which we attribute to the α-wave and parasympathetic-BRS pathway; (c) during slow-paced breathing, cardiorespiratory coupling predominantly favors the respiration-to-heart direction, with the RF stage eliciting the most significant response, while brain-cardiopulmonary information transfer increases across all tasks. These findings offer valuable insights into the impact of RFB on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous systems, potentially laying the groundwork for future research to optimize respiratory training protocols and improve health outcomes.
PubDate: 2025-01-07
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09683-w
- Examining the Impact of a Brief Compassion Focused Intervention on
Everyday Experiences of Compassion in Autistic Adults Through
Psychophysiology and Experience Sampling-
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Abstract: Abstract Autistic adults experience greater rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. Compassion-focused therapy interventions, aimed at promoting self-compassion capabilities, have shown efficacy in improving mental health outcomes in autistic and non-autistic samples suffering from self-criticism that contribute to difficulties in emotion regulation. We explored the experiences of autistic adults during a brief one-week online self-compassion exercise to evaluate it’s feasibility and acceptability through self-report, experience sampling, and parasympathetic activity measured via HRV. Pre- to post-intervention comparisons showed significant improvement in trait self-compassion and fears of self-compassion, but this did not extend to acute measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) nor difficulties in emotion regulation. HRV measures displayed significant increases during self-compassionate practice, although there were no significant changes in physiological reactivity pre- to post-intervention. Experience sampling measures found that whether participants acted on opportunities to be self-compassionate was predictive of concurrent evaluations of affective system activation, whereby acting self-compassionately was associated with greater reported activation of the soothing affective system. Together, our findings support the use of multimodal approaches to investigating the accessibility and efficacy of compassion-focused approaches to resolving emotional difficulties experienced by autistic adults.
PubDate: 2025-01-03
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09681-y
- An Integrative Review of Brainwave Entrainment Benefits for Human Health
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Abstract: Abstract Brainwave Entrainment (BWE) is a noninvasive method of neuromodulation based on the principle that auditory or visual stimulation at a specific frequency can lead the brain’s electrocortical activity to oscillate at the frequency of the external signal or its multiples. This phenomenon could be used to alter physiological and psychological states. Therefore, we conducted an integrative review to answer the question: “What are the observed benefits of BWE on human health and well-being'” We searched for studies published in the last ten years in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), EMBASE, Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases in April 2024. Searches were conducted in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. A total of 84 studies were included in our review. Studies showed improvements in various conditions, such as pain, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, cognition, and neurodegenerative disorders. In conclusion, our findings align with previous reviews and underscore the need for further research on BWE, particularly with larger sample sizes, robust control groups, and randomized clinical trial designs. Nevertheless, BWE demonstrates promising therapeutic potential and may support the management of various health conditions, enhancing individuals' quality of life.
PubDate: 2024-12-19
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09682-x
- Theta/Beta Ratio Neurofeedback Effects on Resting and Task-Related Theta
Activity in Children with ADHD-
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Abstract: Abstract The EEG theta band displays distinct roles in resting and task states. Low resting theta and transient increases in frontal-midline (fm) theta power during tasks are associated with better cognitive control, such as error monitoring. ADHD can disrupt this balance, resulting in high resting theta linked to drowsiness and low fm-theta activity associated with reduced cognitive abilities. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) neurofeedback aims to normalize resting state activity by downregulating theta, which could potentially unfavorably affect task-related fm-theta. This study examines the TBR neurofeedback’s impact on both resting and fm-theta activity, hypothesizing that remission depends on these effects. We analyzed data from a multi-center, double-blind randomized controlled trial with 142 children with ADHD and high TBR (ICAN study). Participants were randomized into experimental or sham NF groups. EEG measurements were taken at rest and during an Oddball task before and after neurofeedback, assessing global electrodes for resting theta and fm electrodes during error dynamics. Post-intervention changes were calculated as differences, and ANOVAs were conducted on GROUP, REMISSION, and CONDITION variables. Final analysis included fewer participants for all analyses. Resting state analysis showed no significant effects on global or fm-theta after TBR neurofeedback. Error dynamics analysis was inconclusive for global and fm-theta in both remitters and non-remitters. Results suggest that the current TBR neurofeedback protocol did not reduce aberrant resting state theta, and emphasize the need for refined protocols targeting specific theta-band networks to reduce resting-state theta without affecting fm-theta related to cognitive control.
PubDate: 2024-12-15
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09675-w
- The Effect of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Recovery After Aerobic
Exercise-
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Abstract: Abstract Recovery is a critical factor in athletic performance, and accelerating this process is essential to enable athletes to perform more effectively in both training load and competitive performance. After exercise, immediate recovery is potentially helpful for investigating autonomic activity levels, as they are definable with heart rate variability (HRV). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ten sessions of HRV-Biofeedback (HRV-BF) training on recovery process parameters after the aerobic performance. In this study, twenty-four soccer players aged 18–24 volunteered to participate. The athletes who met the research criteria were divided into an experimental group (n = 12) and a control group (n = 12). Each participant’s height, weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and aerobic capacity were measured before and after the 10-session intervention. The experimental group participated in a 10-session HRV-BF training and soccer training program, while the control group only participated in a 10-session soccer training program. Aerobic capacity tests were then applied again to experimental and control group participants. The effect of biofeedback on the three HRV parameters during the 5-minute acute recovery period after the test was investigated. The results showed that regularly applied HRV-BF training can significantly shorten the HRV recovery parameter after exercise. Specifically, the athletes who performed HRV-BF training demonstrated faster cardiovascular recovery after aerobic exercise. This suggests that implementing HRV-BF training for athletes can significantly accelerate their recovery processes during and after competitions. Given recent technological advancements, it is promising to consider adding HRV-BF training to stress management interventions, particularly in relation to physiological stress indicators.
PubDate: 2024-12-04
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09672-z
- Heart Rate Variability, Hypnosis, and Psychotherapy
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Abstract: Abstract Hypnotherapy is increasingly recognized as an effective treatment option for a wide range of psychological conditions and the psychological elements of physiologic health concerns. Despite its growing use, the mechanisms underlying hypnotherapy's therapeutic benefits remain unknown. Heart rate variability (HRV), a non-invasive biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and other processes relevant to the psychophysiological stress response, has been used to study the physiological effects of hypnosis. HRV is associated with adaptability to stress and overall mental and physical health. We review how HRV changes during hypnosis treatment and propose mechanisms by which hypnotherapy influences the stress response and psychological flexibility and improves wellbeing. Additionally, we highlight the use of HRV biofeedback as an adjunct to hypnotherapy and psychotherapy and illustrate its potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. To showcase practical applications, we present a case study of hypnotherapy’s impact on HRV in the treatment of hot flashes in post-menopausal women. We conclude by calling for further empirical research, particularly randomized controlled trials, to solidify the integration of HRV metrics in hypnotherapy practice. Understanding the interaction between hypnotherapy and HRV will support more targeted and effective interventions, benefiting both clinicians and patients.
PubDate: 2024-12-03
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09679-6
- Correction: Applications of Alpha Neurofeedback Processes for Enhanced
Mental Manipulation of Unfamiliar Molecular and Spatial Structures-
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PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09668-9
- Correction: Musical Neurofeedback Advancements, Feedback Modalities, and
Applications: A Systematic Review-
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PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09665-y
- Alpha Neurofeedback Training in Elite Soccer Players Trained in Groups
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Abstract: Abstract Neurofeedback training is applied in the world of sports as a means to improve athletes’ performance. Training sessions are usually organized on an individual basis, one at a time. Here we investigated if the training could also be organized in groups. Forty-one national-level football (soccer) players (26 females, 15 males) carried out training sessions simultaneously in groups of up to 13, using a wearable device with Bluetooth connection, during their regular training hours at the club. It was possible to obtain good EEG measurements using this setup, albeit with a somewhat higher data loss than usual in standard laboratory sessions. The brain’s alpha activity was trained using music-based neurofeedback in a crossover design. A training session consisted of alternating periods of neurofeedback and execution of cognitive tasks. EEG alpha (8–12 Hz) activity was higher in the neurofeedback periods compared to the cognitive task periods, and the reverse was true for beta (13–30 Hz) activity. The training program resulted in an increase of 34% in alpha activity associated with the training, and improved the athletes’ performance on task switching and mental rotation tasks. In addition, self-reported sleep duration, as well as scores on the Being in Shape questionnaire (Feeling of Control and Flow) also improved. This study shows that neurofeedback training is feasible in groups of athletes, which can stimulate its application in team sports.
PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09654-1
- Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention Programme to Improve
Attention in Primary Schools-
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Abstract: Abstract The importance of attentional capacity for academic performance is highlighted by the increasing demands placed on students during primary school. Between the ages of 7 and 12, there is an evolutionary improvement in attentional capacity and the school environment is considered an appropriate setting in which to develop programmes to improve attention. Heart rate variability is an appropriate indicator of attentional capacity. For all these reasons, a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention focused on breathing was developed and implemented to improve attention. The intervention consisted of two phases. In the first phase, the school teachers were trained to develop the intervention; in the second, students received five individual sessions from their teachers. In each individual session, they learned to breathe to increase their heart rate variability. A total of 272 girls and 314 boys (N = 586) aged 7–12 years participated in the programme. To study the impact of the intervention on three primary school age groups, the attention of Control and Experimental groups was assessed before and after the implementation of the programme. According to the data obtained, despite developmental improvements, the students who participated in the programme showed an increase in heart rate variability and an improvement in attentional capacity, with a greater impact on the first cycle of primary school. The usefulness of heart rate variability biofeedback interventions in improving attention in primary school is discussed and arguments for their use in children are presented.
PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09659-w
- Childhood Family Stress and Women’s Health: Parasympathetic Activity as
a Risk and Resiliency Factor-
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Abstract: Abstract Childhood family stress (CFS) exacerbates risk for physical health problems across the lifespan. Health risks associated with CFS are particularly relevant for women who tend to endorse more CFS than men. Importantly, some evidence suggests that individuals may vary in their susceptibility to CFS. Parasympathetic activity, which helps to regulate automatic bodily activity (e.g., breathing, digestion), has been proposed to represent a marker of plasticity to environmental exposure. However, no research to date has tested whether parasympathetic activity may modulate the impact of early adversity on health. We examined whether parasympathetic activity would moderate the link between CFS and health complaints in a sample of 68 undergraduate women (Mean age = 19.44). Participants self-reported CFS and health complaints. Parasympathetic activity was indexed using high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) and was evaluated by measuring changes in HF-HRV in response to and following a laboratory-based stress induction. Multiple regression analyses indicated that CFS was significantly associated with more health complaints. Further, HF-HRV in response to stress and during recovery relative to baseline significantly moderated relationship between CFS and health complaints. Specifically, more CFS was significantly associated with more health complaints among women who showed mean or greater decreases in HF-HRV in response to stress. Additionally, lower levels of CFS were associated with fewer health complaints among women who showed mean or greater HF-HRV during recovery relative to baseline. Findings highlight the importance of parasympathetic activity in modulating stress-health links.
PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09661-2
- Assessing the Feasibility of EMG Biofeedback to Reduce the Upper Trapezius
Muscle Excitation during a Seated Row Exercise, a Non-randomized
Comparative Study-
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Abstract: Abstract The upper trapezius muscle is often excessively excited during resistance training exercises, increasing the shoulder’s liability to musculoskeletal disorders of individuals participating in overhead sports or throwing activities. Different approaches have been proposed for reducing the potentially harmful loading of the upper trapezius. None, however, has been devised to deal directly with the main culprit: the muscle excitation. This non-randomized comparative study explores the feasibility of biofeedback based on surface electromyograms (EMGs) in suppressing undue excitation of the upper trapezius during a seated row exercise. Eight male volunteers were instructed to perform the wide-grip seated row exercise without and with the EMG biofeedback of the upper trapezius. Surface EMGs from the three portions of the trapezius and the serratus anterior were sampled with pairs of surface electrodes. A triaxial accelerometer was positioned on the weight stack for the identification of the exercise phase and repetition. This study showed that during the “with biofeedback” condition, the participants were able to activate the upper trapezius and serratus anterior to a lower degree (~ 10%) compared to the “without biofeedback” condition. Future studies should explore if this can lead to greater gains in muscle performance and/or reduce the risk of shoulder injury.
PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09657-y
- Brief Report: Baseline HRV Time Domain Parameters Predict Trauma and
Depression Symptom Change in Veterans with PTSD Undergoing Biofeedback-
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Abstract: Abstract Heart rate variability (HRV) is an index of cardiac autonomic function and an objective biomarker for stress and health. Improving HRV through biofeedback has proven effective in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in veteran populations. Brief protocols involving fewer sessions can better maximize limited clinic resources; however, there is a dearth of knowledge on the number of clinical sessions needed to significantly reduce trauma and depression symptoms. We conducted a series of linear regression models using baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up data from intervention group participants (N = 18) who engaged in a pilot waitlist-controlled study testing the efficacy of a 3-session mobile app-adapted HRV biofeedback intervention for veterans with PTSD. Based on Nunan et al. (Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology 33:1407–1417, 2010) short-term norms, we found that pre-intervention RMSSD in the normal range significantly predicted PTSD and depression symptom improvement. Findings suggest the utility of baseline RMSSD as a useful metric for predicting HRV biofeedback treatment outcomes for veterans with PTSD and comorbid depression. Those with below-normal baseline RMSSD may likely need additional sessions or an alternative treatment to show clinically meaningful symptom improvement.
PubDate: 2024-12-01
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09655-0
- Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training Reduces Early Maternal Stress,
Anxiety, and Depression in Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A
Randomized Controlled Trial-
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Abstract: Abstract Women who undergo cesarean delivery have reported experiencing mood distress related to the surgery and postoperative pain. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training is known to have positive effects on mental health, but its effects on women undergoing cesarean delivery have not yet been determined. This study evaluated the effects of an HRVB training intervention on stress, anxiety, and depression in women undergoing cesarean delivery. We hypothesized that 10 sessions of HRVB training could cumulatively improve emotion regulation in participants. This study was designed as a double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving a total of 86 enrolled women who were then divided into two groups: intervention and control. During their hospitalization, the intervention group underwent HRVB training daily, while both groups received standard perinatal care. Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed using root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), high-frequency power (HF) and low-frequency power (LF). HRV parameters, stress, anxiety, and depression were evaluated at baseline and on the fifth day after childbirth. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses examined change over time between groups. Although no significant effects were found for the RMSSD and HF, a significant increase was observed in SDNN (F = 13.43, p = < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.14), and LF at post-assessment (F = 4.26, p = .04, ƞ2 = 0.05) compared to the control group. Except for the depression variable, stress (F = 6.11, p = .02, ƞ2 = 0.07) and anxiety (F = 8.78, p = .004, ƞ2 = 0.10) significantly decreased compared to the control group on the fifth postpartum day. Furthermore, post-hoc analysis showed that HRVB was more effective in decreasing mild to severe depressive symptoms (F = 7.60, p = .001, ƞ2 = 0.27). The intervention program successfully decreased self-perceived stress and anxiety in the postpartum period and relieved symptoms in more severely depressed participants. Our findings suggest that this program is suitable and beneficial for application in women during the early postpartum period following cesarean delivery.
PubDate: 2024-07-31
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09656-z
- Validity of Ultra-Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Derived from Femoral
Arterial Pulse Waveform in a British Military Cohort-
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Abstract: Abstract Various non-electrocardiogram (ECG) based methods are considered reliable sources of heart rate variability (HRV) measurement. However, the ultra-short recording of a femoral arterial waveform has never been validated against the gold-standard ECG-based 300s HRV and was the aim of this study. A validity study was conducted using a sample from the first follow-up of the longitudinal ADVANCE study UK. The participants were adult servicemen (n = 100); similar in age, rank, and deployment period (Afghanistan 2003–2014). The femoral arterial waveforms (14s) from the pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment, and ECG (300s) were recorded at rest in the supine position using the Vicorder™ and Bittium Faros™ devices, respectively, in the same session. HRV analysis was performed using Kubios Premium. Resting heart rate (HR) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) were reported. The Bland-Altman %plots were constructed to explore the PWV-ECG agreement in HRV measurement. A further exploratory analysis was conducted across methods and durations. The participants’ mean age was 38.0 ± 5.3 years. Both PWV-derived HR (r = 0.85) and RMSSD (rs=0.84) showed strong correlations with their 300s-ECG counterparts (p < 0.001). Mean HR was significantly higher with ECG than PWV (mean bias: -12.71 ± 7.73%, 95%CI: -14.25%, -11.18%). In contrast, the difference in RMSSD between the two methods was non-significant [mean bias: -2.90 ± 37.82% (95%CI: -10.40%, 4.60%)] indicating good agreement. An exploratory analysis of 14s ECG-vs-300s ECG measurement revealed strong agreement in both RMSSD and HR. The 14s PWV-derived RMSSD strongly agrees with the gold-standard (300s-ECG-based) RMSSD at rest. Conversely, HR appears method sensitive.
PubDate: 2024-07-11
DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09652-3
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