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Zucker, T, et al (2009). The Effects of RSA Biofeedback on HRV and PTSD Symptoms
(258K)Abstract: This controlled pilot study compared RSA biofeedback to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) as adjunctive interventions for 38 persons with PTSD symptoms in a residential treatment facility for a substance use disorder. Both groups were assessed at pre-intervention and 4-week post intervention. Group x time interactions revealed significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms and increases in HRV indices for the RSA group. Both groups significantly reduced PTSD and insomnia symptoms and a statistical trend was observed for reduced substance craving for the RSA group. Increases in HRV were significantly associated with PTSD symptom reduction. Overall, these results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of RSA biofeedback in improving physiological and psychological health for individuals with PTSD. -
Sherlin, L, et al (2009). Effects of Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia ....pdf
(162K)The objective of this study was to examine the acute effects of a portable respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback device as compared to passive biofeedback control on state anxiety, heart rate (HR), and Stroop task (Congedo, 2003) performance during repeated administration of the Stroop task cognitive stressor in a single brief session. Participants were individuals reporting stress levels at least 1 SD above the mean on the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983). The RSA group had significantly reduced HR compared to the control group at postintervention and Stressor 2. Both groups significantly improved Stroop scores. Together, these preliminary results suggest that brief relaxation training can reduce state anxiety but that RSA biofeedback appears to have added benefits in reducing state anxiety and HR stress reactivity compared to passive relaxation techniques. -
Sherlin, L & Wycoff, S (2009). Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Feedback Impact...
(965K)Abstract: Participants were recruited and enrolled based upon response and completion of the State Trait Anxiety Interview. A total of 121 were screened; 80 were eligible based on the phone screen, 46 came in for an interview and 43 subjects completed the protocol (one sensor error, one computer problems, one reschedule never returned). Participants were randomized into both a control (placebo device) and experimental group based on STAI-S scores to stratify across groups. RSA feedback was performed using the StressEraser device. The study recorded 19 channel EEG, frontalis electromyography, electrocardiogram, blood volume pulse, respiratory rate, skin conductance and finger temperature under baseline, stroop task, biofeedback, post baseline and post stroop. Brodmann’s Area 24, 30 and 31 are cortical components of the limbic system and are involved in emotional processing and the affective dimensions of pain. In combination with the decreases in state anxiety the findings illustrate the physiological evidence that RSA feedback decreases arousal in cortical areas critical to the experience of anxiety. The implication is that RSA feedback can regulate the cortical limbic structures as a non-invasive treatment modality for anxiety and/or stress. -
Reiner, R (2008). Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical...
(161K)Abstract: This study examined the effectiveness of a portable Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback device as an adjunct to CBT in persons with anxiety disorders and other disorders associated with autonomic dysfunction attending outpatient treatment. Participants were 24 individuals attending outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment for a range of anxiety disorders. Participants were assessed over a 3 week period. Outcomes included measures of anxiety (STAI-Y), sleep disturbances (PSQI), anger (STAEI), and subjective questions about the effectiveness of the device as a treatment adjunct. Significant reductions were found for anxiety and anger and for certain sleep variables (e.g. sleep latency)... -
Muench, F (2008). The Portable StressEraser Heart Rate Variability...
(1.7M)Abstract: Heart rate variability biofeedback is a burgeoning clinical intervention for a variety of disorders. This paper describes a handheld heart rate variability biofeedback device called the StressEraser. The role of home training devices, the device algorithm and biofeedback method, and current research findings are highlighted. Additional attention is paid to the importance of user preferences and compliance with home practice when choosing appropriate interventions. -
Kennedy, J, et al (2008). Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device...
(116K)Abstract: Due to the nature of the work, customer call centres are noted high-stress environments when compared to other subsets of the same business and to other industries. Two studies in two separate call centres were performed to assess the impact of a portable heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback device on employee performance ratings and stress-related complaints. Results from the first study indicated a significant improvement in call scores (objective third party call ratings about quality of service) in the intervention group compared to the control, whereas results from the second study revealed a significant reduction in subjective stress-related complaints... -
Ebben, MR, et al (2009). Moderating Laboratory Adaptation with the Use of a.pdf
(235K)Difficulty sleeping is a common problem with laboratory polysomnograms. This affects both polysomnograms that are used as a clinical tool to investigate sleep pathology or an an outcome in variable research. The goal of this study was to use a handheld biofeedback device (StressEraser) to improve sleep quality in the laboratory. Ten subjects without a history of sleep disorders were randomly assigned to either a StressEraser or no-treatment control condition. A sleep disturbance scale derived from sleep efficient, REM latency, minutes of stage 1 sleep, and wake after sleep onset was created to evaluate the difference between these groups. Subjects in the StressEraser group had significantly lower scores on the sleep disturbance scale compared to the no-treatment control group (p = 0.003). Sleep latency was not improved. In conclusion, the StressEraser significantly improved sleep quality compared to a no-treatment control group. This suggests that the StressEraser may be an effective tool to help reduce the first-night effect in nighttime laboratory sleep studies. -
Chaudhri, P (2009). The Effects of Cardiorespiratory Biofeedback and...
(1.5M)Abstract: The study examines the treatment of major depressive disorder in 60 patients with coronary artery disease. These patients typically present with low heart rate variability (HRV) and dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, which are associated with depression. The experimental group treatment included the StressEraser, psychotherapy and sertraline (i.e. Zoloft) medication. The control group was treated with sertraline only. Depression levels were determined for both groups using several standard tests at 8 weeks and at a 12-week follow-up visit. HRV levels were also assessed at those checkpoints. The promising findings suggest that using StressEraser biofeedback and psychotherapy as an adjunct treatment with sertraline was remarkably more effective in reducing depression and increasing heart rate variability than the antidepressant medication alone. The StressEraser group demonstrated: - Significantly greater reduction in depression severity - Higher depression remission - Increased heart variability - Improvements in mindfulness (i.e. focus and awareness) plus emotion regulation. -
Heilman, K, et al (2008). Accuracy of the StressEraser in Detecting Cardiac...
(1.5M)Abstract: StressEraser is a commercially marketed biofeedback device designed to enhance heart rate variability. StressEraser makes its internal calculations on beat-to-beat measures of finger pulse intervals. However, the accuracy and precision of StressEraser in quantifying interbeat intervals using finger pulse intervals has not been evaluated against standard laboratory equipment using RR intervals. Accuracy was assessed by simultaneously recording interbeat intervals using the StressEraser and a standard laboratory ECG system. The interbeat intervals were highly correlated between the systems...