Geriatrics Gerontology and Aging
Effects of heart rate variability biofeedback training in older adults: a randomized pilot trial
By Perciliany Martins de Souza, Maria Emília Franco Oliveira, Tiago Arruda Sanchez and 4 others.
Abstract
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.