Key result
HRV biofeedback training significantly improves HRV indices and cardiorespiratory coherence compared to placebo.
Why the study?
Biofeedback training utilizing HRV is an innovative method for improving emotional and physiological states, and this trial investigated whether it could enhance HRV, cardiorespiratory coherence, and affect in older adults compared with placebo training.
Does heart rate variability biofeedback training improve heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory coherence, and positive and negative affect compared to placebo training in older adults?
RCT (n=16)
Single-blind (participants blinded, evaluator unblinded)
Lottery method using sealed opaque envelopes (1:1 allocation)
No
Does heart rate variability biofeedback training improve heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory coherence, and positive and negative affect compared to placebo training in older adults?
In this small randomized pilot trial of healthy older adults, 14 sessions of HRV biofeedback training improved autonomic heart rate variability parameters and cardiorespiratory coherence compared to a placebo condition, with a trend toward improved positive affect.
HRV biofeedback may improve autonomic function in older adults; extends pilot RCT evidence but leaves clinical adoption open pending larger trials.
Objective: Biofeedback training utilizing heart rate variability (HRV) is an innovative method for improving emotional and physiological states. This randomized pilot trial investigated whether HRV biofeedback training, compared to placebo training, could enhance HRV, cardiorespiratory coherence, and positive and negative affect in older adults. Methods: Data were collected from 16 older adults who participated in 14 15-minute training sessions, 3 times a week. Half of the participants (n = 8) received HRV biofeedback training, whereas the other half received placebo training. Positive and negative affect, HRV components, and cardiorespiratory coherence were assessed before and during training sessions 1, 7, and 14. Results: The results indicated a trend towards increased positive affect (p = 0.08) and potential improvements in HRV components (p < 0.05) in the biofeedback group at sessions 7 and 14, compared to session 1. For cardiorespiratory coherence, post-hoc analyses suggested an increase compared to session 1 in session 14 only (p = 0.02). Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between positive affect and HRV components in the biofeedback group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These preliminary findings suggest that HRV biofeedback training may contribute to improvements in positive affect, HRV, and cardiorespiratory coherence in older adults. However, larger randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish their clinical applicability.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Souza et al. (2026) conducted an RCT in Healthy older adults undergoing autonomic and emotional regulation training (n=16). Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training vs. Placebo training (viewing neutral photographs from the International Affective Picture System for 15 minutes) was evaluated on Changes in heart rate variability components (RMSSD, SDNN, SD1), cardiorespiratory coherence, and positive affect across sessions 1, 7, and 14 (time x group interaction) (η² 0.25 for RMSSD and SD1; η² 0.24 for SDNN; η² 0.23 for cardiorespiratory coherence, p=0.01 for RMSSD, SDNN, and SD1; 0.02 for cardiorespiratory coherence). HRV biofeedback training significantly improved HRV components (RMSSD, SDNN, SD1; p=0.01, η²=0.24-0.25) and cardiorespiratory coherence (p=0.02, η²=0.23) over 14 sessions compared to placebo.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: