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Bahameish M, Stockman T. Short-Term Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2024; 49:219-231. [PMID: 38366274 PMCID: PMC11101506 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-024-09624-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Drawing upon the well-documented impact of long-term heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) on psychophysiological responses, this study seeks to explore the short-term effects arising from a single HRVB session during and after paced breathing exercise. The research aligns with the neurovisceral integration model, emphasizing the link between heart rate variability (HRV) levels and cognitive performance. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial employing a between-subjects design was conducted with 38 participants. Each participant was assigned to either the paced breathing intervention group or the spontaneous breathing control group. The study assessed various parameters such as cardiac vagal tone, evaluated through vagally mediated HRV measures, and working memory, measured using the N-back task. Additionally, participants' affective states were assessed through self-reported questionnaires, specifically targeting attentiveness, fatigue, and serenity. The results notably reveal enhancements in the working memory task and an elevated state of relaxation and attention following the HRVB session, as evidenced by higher averages of correct responses, serenity and attentiveness scores. However, the findings suggest that this observed improvement is not influenced by changes in cardiac vagal tone, as assessed using a simple mediation analysis. In conclusion, this study presents promising insights into the impact of a single HRVB session, laying the foundation for future research advancements in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Bahameish
- College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Tony Stockman
- School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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2
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Nicolini P, Malfatto G, Lucchi T. Heart Rate Variability and Cognition: A Narrative Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. J Clin Med 2024; 13:280. [PMID: 38202287 PMCID: PMC10780278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) is a reliable and convenient method to assess autonomic function. Cross-sectional studies have established a link between HRV and cognition. Longitudinal studies are an emerging area of research with important clinical implications in terms of the predictive value of HRV for future cognition and in terms of the potential causal relationship between HRV and cognition. However, they have not yet been the objective of a systematic review. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association between HRV and cognition in longitudinal studies. METHODS The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched from the earliest available date to 26 June 2023. Studies were included if they involved adult human subjects and evaluated the longitudinal association between HRV and cognition. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort Studies. The results were presented narratively. RESULTS Of 14,359 records screened, 12 studies were included in this systematic review, with a total of 24,390 participants. Two thirds of the studies were published from 2020 onwards. All studies found a longitudinal relationship between HRV and cognition. There was a consistent association between higher parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and better cognition, and some association between higher sympathetic nervous system activity and worse cognition. Also, higher PNS activity persistently predicted better executive functioning, while data on episodic memory and language were more scant and/or controversial. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the role of HRV as a biomarker of future cognition and, potentially, as a therapeutic target to improve cognition. They will need confirmation by further, more comprehensive studies also including unequivocal non-HRV sympathetic measures and meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Malfatto
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Ospedale San Luca, 20149 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziano Lucchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
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Blaser BL, Weymar M, Wendt J. The effect of a single-session heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control: does stress matter? Front Psychol 2023; 14:1292983. [PMID: 38034309 PMCID: PMC10687403 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1292983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vagally mediated heart rate variability is an index of autonomic nervous system activity that is associated with a large variety of outcome variables including psychopathology and self-regulation. While practicing heart rate variability biofeedback over several weeks has been reliably associated with a number of positive outcomes, its acute effects are not well known. As the strongest association with vagally mediated heart rate variability has been found particularly within the attention-related subdomain of self-regulation, we investigated the acute effect of heart rate variability biofeedback on attentional control using the revised Attention Network Test. Methods Fifty-six participants were tested in two sessions. In one session each participant received a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention, and in the other session a control intervention of paced breathing at a normal ventilation rate. After the biofeedback or control intervention, participants completed the Attention Network Test using the Orienting Score as a measure of attentional control. Results Mixed models revealed that higher resting baseline vagally mediated heart rate variability was associated with better performance in attentional control, which suggests more efficient direction of attention to target stimuli. There was no significant main effect of the intervention on attentional control. However, an interaction effect indicated better performance in attentional control after biofeedback in individuals who reported higher current stress levels. Discussion The results point to acute beneficial effects of heart rate variability biofeedback on cognitive performance in highly stressed individuals. Although promising, the results need to be replicated in larger or more targeted samples in order to reach stronger conclusions about the effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenike L. Blaser
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Mathias Weymar
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Julia Wendt
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Zhang X, Wang S, Sun Y, Ding Y. Gender moderates the association between resting vagally mediated heart rate variability and attentional control. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1165467. [PMID: 37654989 PMCID: PMC10466397 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1165467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Women typically exhibit weaker attentional control ability than men. Lower resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is thought to reflect the poorer function of the neurophysiological pathways underlying attentional control and thus, poorer attentional control ability. However, existing findings are inconsistent regarding the relationship between vmHRV and attentional control. Gender may be an important moderator. Objective To examine whether gender moderates the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control, and to provide neurophysiological evidence for elucidating gender differences in attentional control ability. Methods Two hundred and twenty college students completed the Attentional Control Scale to evaluate their attentional control ability. Resting vmHRV was assessed during a 5 min baseline period using an electrocardiographic amplifier (ECG100C) of the Biopac MP150 physiological recorder. Results (1) There was no significant difference in the total scores of the Attentional Control Scale between men and women (t = 0.498, p > 0.05), but the scores of the attentional shifting dimension of women were significantly lower than those of men (t = 1.995, p < 0.05); (2) Resting vmHRV was significantly negatively correlated with attentional control in women(r = -0.233, p < 0.01), whereas the correlation was not significant in men; (3) Gender significantly moderated the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control (B = -3.088, 95% boot CI [-5.431, -0.745], t = -2.598, p < 0.05); (4) Among participants with lower resting vmHRV, there was no significant difference in attentional control between men and women (B = 2.284, 95% boot CI [-0.748, 5.310], p > 0.05), but among participants with higher resting vmHRV, men scored significantly higher than women in attentional control (B = -3.377, 95% boot CI [-6.406, -0.348], p < 0.05). Conclusion Gender moderates the relationship between resting vmHRV and attentional control, with higher resting vmHRV in women reflecting a compensatory response to deficits in attentional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrated Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Donnelly D, Georgiadis E, Stavrou N. A meta-analysis investigating the outcomes and correlation between heart rate variability biofeedback training on depressive symptoms and heart rate variability outcomes versus standard treatment in comorbid adult populations. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2023; 94:e2023214. [PMID: 37539604 PMCID: PMC10440763 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v94i4.14305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) has previously been used to ameliorate depressive symptoms but its uses for tackling depressive symptoms in an array of comorbid adult patients is less established. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether HRVB is a useful tool to reduce depressive symptoms and improve HRV relative to standard treatment in adult comorbid populations, while also attempting to establish the association between the two outcomes. METHODS An extensive literature review was conducted using several databases including PubMed, Cinahl, Medline, Web of science and clinical.gov/UK register. A total of 149 studies were identified with 9 studies, totalling 428 participants were analysed using a random effects model. RESULTS Depressive outcomes yielded a mean effect size g=0.478 (CI 95% 0.212, 0.743) with HRV outcomes, yielding a mean effect size of g=0.223 (95% CI 0.036 to 0.411). Total heterogeneity was non-significant for depressive outcomes (Q= 13.77, p=0.088 I^=42.86%) and HRV (Q= 1.598, p=0.991, I^=0.000%) which indicates that little variance existed for the included studies. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the outcomes demonstrate that HRVB can improve both clinically relevant depressive symptoms and physiological HRV outcomes in various comorbid conditions in adult populations, while the correlation between the two was moderately negative, but non-significant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nektarios Stavrou
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Hellenic Sport Research Institute, Athens Olympic Sport Complex "Spyros Louis", Athens, Greece .
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Cuneo A, Yang R, Zhou H, Wang K, Goh S, Wang Y, Raiti J, Krashin D, Murinova N. The Utility of a Novel, Combined Biofeedback-Virtual Reality Device as Add-on Treatment for Chronic Migraine: A Randomized Pilot Study. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:286-296. [PMID: 37026763 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if the frequent use of a combined biofeedback-virtual reality device improves headache-related outcomes in chronic migraine. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomized, controlled pilot study, 50 adults with chronic migraine were randomized to the experimental group (frequent use of a heart rate variability biofeedback-virtual reality device plus standard medical care; n=25) or wait-list control group (standard medical care alone; n=25). The primary outcome was a reduction in mean monthly headache days between groups at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included mean change in acute analgesic use frequency, depression, migraine-related disability, stress, insomnia, and catastrophizing between groups at 12 weeks. Tertiary outcomes included change in heart rate variability and device-related user experience measures. RESULTS A statistically significant reduction in mean monthly headache days between groups was not demonstrated at 12 weeks. However, statistically significant decreases in the mean frequency of total acute analgesic use per month (65% decrease in the experimental group versus 35% decrease in the control group, P <0.01) and depression score (35% decrease in the experimental group versus 0.5% increase in the control group; P <0.05) were shown at 12 weeks. At study completion, more than 50% of participants reported device satisfaction on a 5-level Likert scale. DISCUSSION Frequent use of a portable biofeedback-virtual reality device was associated with decreases in the frequency of acute analgesic use and in depression in individuals with chronic migraine. This platform holds promise as an add-on treatment for chronic migraine, especially for individuals aiming to decrease acute analgesic use or interested in nonmedication approaches.
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Migliaccio GM, Russo L, Maric M, Padulo J. Sports Performance and Breathing Rate: What Is the Connection? A Narrative Review on Breathing Strategies. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11050103. [PMID: 37234059 DOI: 10.3390/sports11050103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breathing is a natural and necessary process for humans. At the same time, the respiratory pace and frequency can vary so much, depending on the status of the subject. Specifically, in sports, breathing can have the effect of limiting performance from a physiological point of view, or, on the other hand, breathing can regulate the psychological status of the athletes. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to focus on the literature about the physiological and psychological aspects of breathing pace in sports performance, merging these two aspects because they are usually considered split, in order to create a new integrated vision of breathing and sports performance. Voluntary breathing can be divided into a slow or fast pace (VSB and VFB, respectively), and their effects on both the physiological and psychological parameters are very different. VSB can benefit athletes in a variety of ways, not just physically but mentally as well. It can help improve cardiovascular fitness, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall health and well-being, allowing athletes to maintain focus and concentration during training and competition. VFB is normal during physical training and competition, but away from training, if it is not voluntary, it can cause feelings of anxiety, panic, dizziness, and lightheadedness and trigger a stress response in the body, affecting the athlete's quality of life. In summary, the role of breathing in the performance of athletes should be considered, although no definitive data are available. The connection between breathing and sports performance is still unclear, but athletes can obtain benefits in focus and concentration using slow breathing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Russo
- Department of Human Sciences, Università Telematica degli Studi IUL, 50122 Florence, Italy
| | - Mike Maric
- Department of Performance, Sport Science Lab, 09131 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Johnny Padulo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Tinello D, Tarvainen M, Zuber S, Kliegel M. Enhancing Inhibitory Control in Older Adults: A Biofeedback Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020335. [PMID: 36831878 PMCID: PMC9954520 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidomain interventions based on bio-/neurofeedback have proven useful in improving executive functions. The present study aimed to explore the potential efficacy and feasibility of an intervention that combined Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-BF) and Near Infrared Hemoencephalography Neurofeedback (nirHEG-NF) on inhibitory control (IC) of healthy older adults. Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the biofeedback group (received a 10-week combined intervention of HRV-BF and nirHEG-NF) and the active control group (received a similar protocol without real-time biofeedback). Besides cognitive outcomes, the study examined pre- and post-changes in autonomic regulation and prefrontal blood oxygenation at rest and during training. Results revealed training-induced inhibitory control gains in one of the two interference tasks, whereas no effect was found on response inhibition. After the intervention, HRV increased in participants with the lowest levels of HRV at baseline. Although older adults increased blood oxygenation during training, no significant pre- and post-changes were found in blood flow oxygenation. These findings not only suggest that HRV-BF and nirHEG-NF potentially improve performance in certain subcomponents of inhibition (i.e., interference vs. response inhibition), but it may also be beneficial for parasympathetic activity in participants with low HRV and for increasing blood flow oxygenation on prefrontal areas during training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Tinello
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 28, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability, Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, University of Lausanne, Géopolis Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 28, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-22-937-93796
| | - Mika Tarvainen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sascha Zuber
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability, Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, University of Lausanne, Géopolis Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 28, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Matthias Kliegel
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 28, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- LIVES, Overcoming Vulnerability, Life Course Perspective, Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research, University of Lausanne, Géopolis Building, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability (CIGEV), University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d’Arve 28, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
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Bermejo-Martins E, Pueyo-Garrigues M, Casas M, Bermejo-Orduna R, Villarroya A. A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13589. [PMID: 36294168 PMCID: PMC9603293 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Forest bathing practices benefit individuals' physical and mental health. A growing number of published studies provide evidence of such effects in diverse populations and contexts. However, no literature has been found that evaluates the effects of forest bathing on people with intellectual disabilities. In this paper, we present a quasi-experimental pre-post protocol for assessing the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a forest bathing intervention in a group of adults with intellectual disability. An 11-weekly session program will be applied in the forests of the Ollo Valley, Navarre (Spain). The preliminary efficacy outcomes will be blood pressure, psycho-physiological coherence parameters and quality of life. The feasibility of the intervention will be assessed through data on barriers and facilitators of the implementation process and indicators of environmental comfort (physiological equivalent temperature and thermic perception). This study offers an opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to benefit from a forest bathing intervention and explore its effects not only on their quality of life, but also on the improvement in their physiological and psychological state. This feasibility study is an essential step to explore crucial aspects for a future full-scale trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bermejo-Martins
- Department of Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Pueyo-Garrigues
- Department of Community, Maternity and Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Casas
- Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Raúl Bermejo-Orduna
- Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Villarroya
- Department of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
- Grupo de Humanidades Ambientales, BIOMA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Neuromodulation Applied to Diseases: The Case of HRV Biofeedback. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195927. [PMID: 36233794 PMCID: PMC9571900 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The vagus or “wandering” nerve is the main branch of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), innervating most internal organs crucial for health. Activity of the vagus nerve can be non-invasively indexed by heart-rate variability parameters (HRV). Specific HRV parameters predict less all-cause mortality, lower risk of and better prognosis after myocardial infarctions, and better survival in cancer. A non-invasive manner for self-activating the vagus is achieved by performing a slow-paced breathing technique while receiving visual feedback of one’s HRV, called HRV-biofeedback (HRV-B). This article narratively reviews the biological mechanisms underlying the role of vagal activity and vagally mediated HRV in hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), cancer, pain, and dementia. After searching the literature for HRV-B intervention studies in each condition, we report the effects of HRV-B on clinical outcomes in these health conditions, while evaluating the methodological quality of these studies. Generally, the levels of evidence for the benefits of HRV-B is high in CHD, pain, and hypertension, moderate in cancer, and poor in diabetes and dementia. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
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Nicolini P, Lucchi T, Abbate C, Inglese S, Tomasini E, Mari D, Rossi PD, Vicenzi M. Autonomic function predicts cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from power spectral analysis of heart rate variability in a longitudinal study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:886023. [PMID: 36185491 PMCID: PMC9520613 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.886023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the emerging clinical relevance of heart rate variability (HRV) as a potential biomarker of cognitive decline and as a candidate target for intervention, there is a dearth of research on the prospective relationship between HRV and cognitive change. In particular, no study has addressed this issue in subjects with a diagnosis of cognitive status including cognitive impairment. Objective To investigate HRV as a predictor of cognitive decline in subjects with normal cognition (NC) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Specifically, we tested the literature-based hypothesis that the HRV response to different physical challenges would predict decline in different cognitive domains. Methods This longitudinal study represents the approximately 3-year follow-up of a previous cross-sectional study enrolling 80 older outpatients (aged ≥ 65). At baseline, power spectral analysis of HRV was performed on five-minute electrocardiographic recordings at rest and during a sympathetic (active standing) and a parasympathetic (paced breathing) challenge. We focused on normalized HRV measures [normalized low frequency power (LFn) and the low frequency to high frequency power ratio (LF/HF)] and on their dynamic response from rest to challenge (Δ HRV). Extensive neuropsychological testing was used to diagnose cognitive status at baseline and to evaluate cognitive change over the follow-up via annualized changes in cognitive Z-scores. The association between Δ HRV and cognitive change was explored by means of linear regression, unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders. Results In subjects diagnosed with MCI at baseline a greater response to a sympathetic challenge predicted a greater decline in episodic memory [adjusted model: Δ LFn, standardized regression coefficient (β) = −0.528, p = 0.019; Δ LF/HF, β = −0.643, p = 0.001] whereas a greater response to a parasympathetic challenge predicted a lesser decline in executive functioning (adjusted model: Δ LFn, β = −0.716, p < 0.001; Δ LF/HF, β = −0.935, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings provide novel insight into the link between HRV and cognition in MCI. They contribute to a better understanding of the heart-brain connection, but will require replication in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paola Nicolini,
| | - Tiziano Lucchi
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Abbate
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Inglese
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Tomasini
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Mari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo D. Rossi
- Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Vicenzi
- Dyspnea Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Cardiovascular Disease Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Bögge L, Colás-Blanco I, Piolino P. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia during biofeedback is linked to persistent improvements in attention, short-term memory, and positive self-referential episodic memory. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:791498. [PMID: 36177356 PMCID: PMC9514056 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.791498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, an intervention based on the voluntary self-regulation of autonomic parameters, has been shown to affect prefrontal brain functioning and improve executive functions. The interest in using HRV biofeedback as cognitive training is typically ascribed to parasympathetic activation and optimized physiological functioning deriving from increased cardiac vagal control. However, the persistence of cognitive effects is poorly studied and their association with biofeedback-evoked autonomic changes has not yet been explored. In addition, no study has so far investigated the influence of HRV biofeedback in adults on long-term episodic memory, which is particularly concerned with self-referential encoding processing. Methods In the present study, a novel training system was developed integrating HRV and respiratory biofeedback into an immersive virtual reality environment to enhance training efficacy. Twenty-two young healthy adults were subjected to a blinded randomized placebo-controlled experiment, including six self-regulation training sessions, to evaluate the effect of biofeedback on autonomic and cognitive changes. Cardiac vagal control was assessed before, during, and 5 min after each training session. Executive functions, episodic memory, and the self-referential encoding effect were evaluated 1 week before and after the training program using a set of validated tasks. Results Linear mixed-effects models showed that HRV biofeedback greatly stimulated respiratory sinus arrhythmia during and after training. Moreover, it improved the attentional capabilities required for the identification and discrimination of stimuli ( η p 2 = 0.17), auditory short-term memory ( η p 2 = 0.23), and self-referential episodic memory recollection of positive stimuli ( η p 2 = 0.23). Episodic memory outcomes indicated that HRV biofeedback reinforced positive self-reference encoding processing. Cognitive changes were strongly dependent on the level of respiratory sinus arrhythmia evoked during self-regulation training. Conclusion The present study provides evidence that biofeedback moderates respiration-related cardiac vagal control, which in turn mediates improvements in several cognitive processes crucial for everyday functioning including episodic memory, that are maintained beyond the training period. The results highlight the interest in HRV biofeedback as an innovative research tool and medication-free therapeutic approach to affect autonomic and neurocognitive functioning. Finally, a neurocognitive model of biofeedback-supported autonomic self-regulation as a scaffolding for episodic memory is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Bögge
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Itsaso Colás-Blanco
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Laboratoire Mémoire, Cerveau et Cognition, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Laborde S, Allen MS, Borges U, Iskra M, Zammit N, You M, Hosang T, Mosley E, Dosseville F. Psychophysiological effects of slow-paced breathing at six cycles per minute with or without heart rate variability biofeedback. Psychophysiology 2021; 59:e13952. [PMID: 34633670 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, referring to slow-paced breathing (SPB) realized while visualizing a heart rate, HRV, and/or respiratory signal, has become an adjunct treatment for a large range of psychologic and medical conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of HRV biofeedback still need to be uncovered. This study aimed to disentangle the specific effects of HRV biofeedback from the effects of SPB realized alone. In total, 112 participants took part in the study. The parameters assessed were emotional (valence, arousal, and control) and perceived stress intensity as self-report variables and the root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) as a physiologic variable. A main effect of condition was found for emotional valence only, valence being more positive overall in the SPB-HRVB condition. A main effect of time was observed for all dependent variables. However, no main effects for the condition or time x condition interaction effects were observed. Results showed that for PRE and POST comparisons (referring, respectively, to before and after SPB), both SPB-HRVB and SPB-NoHRVB conditions resulted in a more negative emotional valence, lower emotional arousal, higher emotional control, and higher RMSSD. Future research might investigate psychophysiological differences between SPB-HRVB and SPB-NoHRVB across different time periods (e.g., long-term interventions), and in response to diverse psychophysiological stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Normandie Université, UFR STAPS, EA 4260 CESAMS, Caen, France
| | - Mark S Allen
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Uirassu Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Health & Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maša Iskra
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nina Zammit
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Min You
- Normandie Université, UFR Psychologie, EA3918 CERREV, Caen, France
| | - Thomas Hosang
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emma Mosley
- Department of Sport Science and Performance, School of Sport, Health and Social Science, Solent University Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Fabrice Dosseville
- Normandie Université, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France.,INSERM, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France
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