scholarly journals An introduction to heart rate variability: methodological considerations and clinical applications

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
George E. Billman ◽  
Heikki V. Huikuri ◽  
Jerzy Sacha ◽  
Karin Trimmel
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Methodological Considerations

Heart Rate Variability and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Clinical Applications

Biofeedback ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Reid-Chung ◽  
Michael Thompson ◽  
Lynda Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Biofeedback Training ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Biofeedback Treatment

This paper discusses the clinical applications of heart rate variability (HRV) data in the treatment of clients who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In the authors' clinical practice, HRV data is collected at the initial assessment, at progress assessments, and again after the completion of a course of neurofeedback combined with HRV biofeedback treatment. This paper describes HRV seen in healthy individuals compared to HRV in individuals known to have experienced a TBI. Three clinical case examples are discussed that explore the changes in heart rate variability following traumatic brain injury as well as improvements noted during, and following, a course of neurofeedback combined with HRV biofeedback training. The cases illustrated in this paper demonstrate the impressive changes in heart rate variability that can occur following a traumatic brain injury and also highlight how neurofeedback combined with biofeedback training can be used to improve heart rate variability and ameliorate related cognitive symptoms.

How Does Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Work? Resonance, the Baroreflex, and Other Mechanisms

Biofeedback ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Lehrer
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cardiovascular System ◽  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Sinus Arrhythmia ◽  
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback ◽  
Resonance Effects

Heart rate variability biofeedback is known to have multiple effects on the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and emotional reactivity. This paper reviews the origins of work on heart rate variability biofeedback, and mechanisms for its various effects, including direct effects on the baroreflex system and gas exchange efficiency, as well as indirect effects on emotional reactivity and possibly inflammatory activity. Resonance in the cardiovascular system is explained, as well as ways that heart rate variability biofeedback stimulates these resonance effects, through interactions between respiratory sinus arrhythmia and the baroreflex system. Relationships of these mechanisms to various clinical applications of heart rate variability biofeedback are explored, as are future extensions of biofeedback to the vascular tone baroreflex.

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