Symptom Management Among Cancer Survivors: Randomized Pilot Intervention Trial of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback.

Symptom Management Among Cancer Survivors: Randomized Pilot Intervention Trial of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2020 May 01;: Authors: Burch JB, Ginsberg JP, McLain AC, Franco R, Stokes S, Susko K, Hendry W, Crowley E, Christ A, Hanna J, Anderson A, Hébert JR, O'Rourke MA Abstract Chronic cancer-related symptoms (stress, fatigue, pain, depression, insomnia) may be linked with sympathetic nervous system over-activation and autonomic imbalance. Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is an indicator of autonomic dysregulation that is commonly observed among cancer survivors. HRV biofeedback (HRVB) training induces HRV coherence, which maximizes HRV and facilitates autonomic and cardiorespiratory homeostasis. This randomized, wait-list-controlled, pilot intervention trial tested the hypothesis that HRVB can improve HRV coherence and alleviate cancer-related symptoms. The intervention group (n = 17) received 4-6 weekly HRVB training sessions until participants demonstrated skill acquisition. Controls (n = 17) received usual care. Outcomes assessed at baseline and follow-up included 15-min HRV recordings (HRV Coherence Ratio), and symptoms of: stress, distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. Linear mixed models for repeated measures were used to assess Group-by-Time interactions, pre- versus post-treatment differences in mean symptom sc...
Source: Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback Source Type: research