Key result
Smartphone-based worry-reduction training was feasible and increased heart rate variability, but this increase did not differ from the active control condition.
Why the study?
Does a smartphone-based worry-reduction training improve heart rate variability in high-worriers?
RCT (n=26)
Does a smartphone-based worry-reduction training improve heart rate variability in high-worriers?
A smartphone-based worry-reduction training was feasible but did not significantly improve heart rate variability compared to an active control group of emotion registration alone.
Smartphone worry training lacks HRV specificity versus controls; challenges targeted digital interventions for autonomic benefits in cardiology.
Worry is an important mediator in the relation between stressors and health. This pilot study examined whether a smartphone-based in time worry-reduction training was feasible and improved physiological health (i.e. increased heart rate variability [HRV]). A total of 26 high-worriers were randomised to an experimental or active-control condition (EC and CC respectively). Participants in both conditions registered emotions 5 times daily for a month. The EC additionally received worry-reduction training with mindfulness exercises. Primary outcomes were feasibility and HRV measured at baseline, after 2 weeks (halfway), and at 4 weeks (post-intervention). Both training conditions were feasible and well received. HRV increased in the EC and CC, but this increase did not differ between conditions. Preliminary findings suggest that both training conditions are feasible and might improve HRV, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular disease. This pilot study only provided preliminary evidence, but it laid the groundwork for future randomised controlled trials that ought to include more participants and a waitlist control group in order to get more definitive evidence of the effectiveness of the intervention.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Versluis et al. (2018) conducted an RCT in High-worriers (n=26). Smartphone-based worry-reduction training with mindfulness exercises vs. Active-control condition (registering emotions 5 times daily) was evaluated on Feasibility and heart rate variability (HRV). Smartphone-based worry-reduction training was feasible and increased heart rate variability, but this increase did not differ from the active control condition.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: