Mobile Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a Complementary Intervention After Myocardial Infarction : a Randomized Controlled Study
Faculty/Professorship: | University of Bamberg ; Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment |
Author(s): | Limmer, Anja ![]() ![]() |
Publisher Information: | Bamberg : Otto-Friedrich-Universität |
Year of publication: | 2021 |
Pages: | 1-10 |
Source/Other editions: | International Journal of Behavioral Medicine 2021, published online 18 May 2021, ISSN 1532-7558 |
is version of: | 10.1007/s12529-021-10000-6 |
Language(s): | English |
DOI: | 10.20378/irb-49931 |
Licence: | Creative Commons - CC BY - Attribution 4.0 International |
URN: | urn:nbn:de:bvb:473-irb-499314 |
Abstract: | Background: To enhance effective prevention programs after myocardial infarction (MI), the study examined the effects and feasibility of mobile biofeedback training on heart rate variability (HRV-BF). Methods: Forty-six outpatients aged 41 to 79 years with a documented MI were randomized to HRV-BF versus usual care. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analyses were performed to test improvements in measures of short- and long-time HRV, namely, the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and well-being after 12 weeks of HRV-BF. Results: There were intervention effects for short-time HRV (d > 0.4, p < 0.04), which were partly replicated in the GEE models that accounted for control variables: In the HRV-BF group, the high frequency HRV (group x time interaction: β = 0.59, p = 0.04) compensated for significantly lower baseline levels than the group with usual care. In an optimal dose sample (on average two HRV-BF sessions a day), SDNN significantly increased after HRV-BF (p = 0.002) but not in the waitlist control group. Compensatory trends of HRV-BF were also found for high-frequency HRV and self-efficacy. No adverse effects of the intervention were found but neither were effects on long-time HRV measures. Conclusion: The results showed the feasibility of self-guided HRV-BF for almost all post-MI patients. HRV-BF as an adjunctive behavioral treatment increased HRV, which is an indicator of lower cardiovascular risk, and self-efficacy, which suggests heightened psychological resilience. These benefits warrant confirmation and tests of sustainability in larger studies. |
GND Keywords: | Herzinfarkt ; Herzfrequenzvariabilität ; Biofeedback ; Sekundärprävention |
Keywords: | Myocardial Infarction, Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, Secondary Prevention, Risk factors, Self-Efficacy |
DDC Classification: | 610 Medicine & health |
RVK Classification: | YB 9515 |
Peer Reviewed: | Ja |
International Distribution: | Ja |
Type: | Article |
URI: | https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/49931 |
Release Date: | 30. July 2021 |
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University of Bamberg