Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical Practice for Patients with Anxiety Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study

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). There was a significant dos-effect in that those who were more compliant had significantly greater reductions in most domains including sleep, anger and trait anxiety. Overall, participants found the device more helpful than other relaxation techniques such as mediation, yoga and unassisted breathing techniques but less helpful than exercise. The most frequently endorsed side effects were dizziness (15%) and sleepiness (55%). These preliminary results suggest that portable RSA biofeedback appears to be a promising treatment adjunct for disorders of autonomic arousal and is easily integrated into treatment. Results support the need for further investigation with more rigorous experimental designs.

ExoPranayama: a biofeedback-driven actuated environment for supporting yoga breathing practices

“…MoodWings [11] is a wearable device in the shape of a butterfly, with wings that actuate in real time to a user's heart rate. This type of interaction has been shown to be more effective at reducing stress than traditional approaches found in meditation [12], thus showing promise for actuated technology in yoga practices. ''Broncomatic'' is an actuated amusement ride controlled by the riders' breath [13].…”

Neuropsychiatric Complications of Efavirenz Therapy: Suggestions for a New Research Paradigm

“…This method is easy to use and has established efficacy in the treatment of depression 48 and anxiety disorders. 49 The reciprocity of cortico-cardiac interactions, based on cortical plasticity, provides opportunities for behavioral interventions. 50,51 Electrophysiological correlates of behavior (e.g., event-related potentials) illuminate features of cognitive top-down and bottom-up processes such as evaluation, categorization, orienting/alertness, or novelty and are sensitive to pharmacological treatments.…”

“…Several features such as amplitude and latency of eventrelated potentials can be linked to behavioral or cognitive dysregulation. Response inhibition paradigms combine behavioral tasks requiring motor inhibition in standardized and well-established paradigms such as Go-NoGo, 48,49 stop-signal, 53 or others with corresponding electrophysiological measures such as N200 amplitude. 54 A sensitive measure such as the inhibition-related N200 event-related potential may be able to assess subclinical changes in cognitive and behavioral regulation processes, 55 which have been suggested to be based on a supermodal inhibition-eliciting initiatior in the right inferior prefrontal cortex and, therefore, to be closely linked to cognitive adaptivity and flexibility.…”

Brief Biofeedback Intervention for Stress and Anxiety: a Study with Nursing College Students

“…More recent studies have reinforced the importance and effectiveness of biofeedback training programs on anxiety intervention. Reiner (2008) concluded that biofeedback may be a useful adjunct to behavioural therapies, and may be helpful to those who have difficulty adhering to and/or performing traditional relaxation therapies. Ratanasiripong, Sverduk, Prince and Hayashino (2012) conducted a study in order to investigate the impact of a biofeedback program in stress and anxiety of a nursing students group during their first clinical training.…”