Cardiorespiratory feedback training as a non-pharmacological intervention and its application in stroke patients

The interaction between cardiovascular and respiratory systems is a reciprocal one mediated by mechanical factors, autonomic nervous system, and baroreflex regulation and manifested in the changes in heart rate, blood pressure and ventilation. These changes can be rather easily registered and measured, which opens the opportunity for clinical use (both in diagnostics and therapy). In the paper we briefly review the potential role and implementation of cardiorespiratory biofeedback in treating patients with neurological diseases, in particular, stroke survivors. The available evidence suggests that this method based on the existing cardiorespiratory coupling mechanisms may prove its efficacy in treating a range of medical conditions including cerebrovascular disorders. The prospects of cardiorespiratory biofeedback application in improving a stroke patient’s quality of life (including physical, emotional, and cognitive levels) and clinical status require further investigation. The topicality of determining the long-term effect of novel non-pharmacological interventions as an adjunct to conventional therapies is defined by their limitations and significant pharmacological load.