Protocol for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training

@inproceedings{Lehrer2013ProtocolFH,
  title={Protocol for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training},
  author={Paul M. Lehrer and Bronya Vaschillo and Terri L. Zucker and Jessica L. Graves and Maria Katsamanis and Milisyaris Aviles and Frederick S. Wamboldt},
  year={2013}
}
This paper describes a five-visit heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback protocol we have used both clinically and in research. This protocol was refined in a study of biofeedback therapy for treating asthma. Similar, longer methods have been used for treating various conditions involving pain, anxiety, depression, and other psychophysiological disorders. 
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122 Citations
Highly Influential Citations
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Background Citations
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Methods Citations
25
Results Citations
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18 References

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback in Patients with Fibromyalgia

The data suggest that HRV biofeedback may be a useful treatment for FM, perhaps mediated by autonomic changes, consistent with data on the relationship among stress, HPA axis activity, and brain function.

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It is hypothesize that this type of biofeedback exercises the baroreflexes, and renders them more efficient, and is presented for carrying out this method.

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The origins of work on heart rate variability biofeedback, and mechanisms for its various effects are reviewed, including direct effects on the baroreflex system and gas exchange efficiency, as well as indirect effects on emotional reactivity and possibly inflammatory activity.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Increases Baroreflex Gain and Peak Expiratory Flow

Heart rate variability biofeedback had strong long-term influences on resting baroreflex gain and pulmonary function and should be examined as a method for treating cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

Combined Heart Rate Variability and Pulse Oximetry Biofeedback for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Preliminary Findings

It is concluded that an intervention that included heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and walking with pulse oximetry feedback to improve functioning and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is feasible and that further research using a randomized controlled design is warranted.

Biofeedback treatment for asthma.

The results suggest that HRV biofeedback may prove to be a useful adjunct to asthma treatment and may help to reduce dependence on steroid medications.

Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Subjects with Stress-Related Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

Improvement in perceived health over a 10 week intervention with HRV-biofeedback in subjects with chronic neck-pain is indicated, and it is suggested that this intervention protocol is suitable for a larger controlled trial.

Characteristics of Resonance in Heart Rate Variability Stimulated by Biofeedback

How resonance properties of the cardiovascular system mediate the effects of heart rate variability biofeedback is described to provide evidence that resonant oscillations can train autonomic reflexes to provide therapeutic effect.

A Pilot Study on the Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Patients with Depression and in Healthy Subjects

In conclusion, HRV biofeedback appears to be a useful adjunct for the treatment of depression, associated with increases in HRV.

Preliminary Results of an Open Label Study of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for the Treatment of Major Depression

HRV biofeedback appears to be a useful adjunctive treatment for the treatment of MDD, associated with large acute increases in HRV and some chronic increases, suggesting increased cardiovagal activity.