1. A systematic review of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback treatment following traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Author
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Talbert LD, Kaelberer Z, Gleave E, Driggs A, Driggs AS, Steffen PR, Baldwin SA, and Larson MJ
- Subjects
- Humans, Heart Rate physiology, Biofeedback, Psychology methods, Cognition, Autonomic Nervous System, Brain Injuries, Traumatic complications, Brain Injuries, Traumatic therapy
- Abstract
Objective: Autonomic nervous system dysregulation is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a cost-effective measure of autonomic nervous system functioning, with studies suggesting decreased HRV following moderate-to-severe TBI. HRV biofeedback treatment may improve post-TBI autonomic nervous system functioning and post-injury emotional and cognitive functioning. We provide a systematic evidence-based review of the state of the literature and effectiveness of HRV biofeedback following TBI., Method: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two coders coded each article and provided quality ratings. Seven papers met inclusion criteria. All studies included a measure of emotional functioning and 5 studies (63%) included neuropsychological outcomes., Results: Participants completed 11 sessions of HRV biofeedback on average (range = 1 to 40). HRV biofeedback was associated with improved HRV following TBI. There was a positive relationship between increased HRV and TBI recovery following biofeedback, including improvements in cognitive and emotional functioning, and physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and sleep problems., Conclusion: The literature on HRV biofeedback for TBI is promising, but in its infancy; effectiveness is unclear due to poor-to-fair study quality, and potential publication bias (all studies reported positive results).
- Published
- 2023
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