Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Treat Fibromyalgia: An Integrative Literature Review

Fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with debilitating pain and a reduced heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting decreased emotional adaptability and resistance to stress. Common pharmacological treatments are ineffective, and opioids are highly addictive and cause an estimated 15,000 overdose deaths per year. Effective recommendations include patient-centered interventions like physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) may be effective in improving HRV, thus increasing stress resistance and emotional adaptability and reducing pain.
Source: Pain Management Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research