Key result
HRV biofeedback training increases heart rate variability and reduces stress indicators in special education teachers.
Why the study?
Special education teachers experience stress that affects their work quality and limited access to support services increases the need for effective stress reduction interventions.
Does heart rate variability biofeedback training improve heart rate variability and self-regulation in special education teachers?
Does heart rate variability biofeedback training improve heart rate variability and self-regulation in special education teachers?
Heart rate variability biofeedback training may be an effective tool for improving physiological stress signs and self-regulation in special education teachers.
May support HRV biofeedback for educator stress reduction; hypothesis-generating and requires randomized confirmation before practice change.
Special education teachers experience stress that affects their work quality. The authors conducted a multiple-baseline study to examine biofeedback training for improved heart rate variability and self-regulation using objective indicators during practicum experiences at a Midwest U.S. urban university for in-service special education teachers. Four special education teachers received heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training to build awareness of physiological stress signs and to learn stress reduction techniques. Limited access to support services heightened the need for interventions like HRVB to help rural teachers manage isolation and high work demands. All participants increased mean heart rate variability from baseline to intervention, with most experiencing a statistically significant decrease in stress indicators. A visual analysis demonstrates a functional relation for two participants and a positive trend for a third. The study’s findings suggest HRVB training is an effective tool for improving heart rate variability and self-regulation, with potential for use in rural special education contexts. However, limitations related to costs and resources may affect accessibility and implementation in some rural areas.
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Murnan et al. (2025) studied Stress (n=4). Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training vs. Baseline was evaluated on Heart rate variability and stress indicators. Heart rate variability biofeedback training increased mean heart rate variability and significantly decreased stress indicators in special education teachers.
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