The Effect of a Single Session of Short Duration Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on EEG: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This pilot study examines the effect of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback on measures of electroencephalogram (EEG) during and immediately after biofeedback. Eighteen healthy males exposed to work-related stress, were randomised into an HRV biofeedback (BIO) or a comparative group (COM). EEG was recorded during the intervention and during rest periods before and after the intervention. Power spectral density in theta, alpha and beta frequency bands and theta/beta ratios were calculated. During the intervention, the BIO group had higher relative theta power [Fz and Pz (p < 0.01), Cz (p < 0.05)], lower fronto-central relative beta power (p < 0.05), and higher theta/beta [Fz and Cz (p < 0.01), Pz (p < 0.05)] than the COM group. The groups showed different responses after the intervention with increased posterior theta/beta (p < 0.05) in the BIO group and altered posterior relative theta (p < 0.05), central relative beta (p = 0.06) and central-posterior theta/beta (p < 0.01) in the post-intervention rest period. The findings of this study suggest that a single session of HRV biofeedback after a single training session was associated with changes in EEG suggestive of increased internal attention and relaxation both during and after the intervention. However, the comparative intervention was associated with changes suggestive of increased mental effort and possible anxiety during and after the intervention.

Combining electroencephalographic activity and instantaneous heart rate for assessing brain–heart dynamics during visual emotional elicitation in healthy subjects

“…Furthermore, a positive correlation between HRV high-frequency power and EEG frontal midline θ power was found during meditation [63]. The same kind of correlation was found between HRV low-frequency power and EEG posterior θ power during biofeedback task [64]. More in general, the EEG θ power was associated with a general emotional response and states of relaxation and internal attention [63], whereas alterations of EEG dynamics in the θ band were found in case of ANS dysfunctions [55].…”

Cognitive Performance Enhancement: Do Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Work?

“…HRV not only reflects physiological and psychological flexibility with regard to social, cognitive, and other mental environmental challenges, it has also been associated with creativity (Gruzelier 2014a, b, c). In contrast, a reduced level of HRV appears to be related with physical as well as psychological discomfort or disease (e.g., Lehrer et al 2003;Prinsloo et al 2013;Thayer et al 2010b). With regard to task performance, Caldwell et al (1994) suggested that cardiovascular information can be useful in the optimization of performance and general well-being as well as the prevention of accidents or mistakes during difficult task performances.…”

Short-term HRV Biofeedback: Perspectives in Environmental Physiology and Medicine

“…[27] There are a specific local changes in brain activity reflecting an increase in internal attention combined with relaxation both during and after this procedure. [28] Thus, analysis of the literature showed the effectiveness of short-term HRVB training with regard to the optimization of autonomic tone and improvement of the functions of central nervous system. The main mechanisms for realization of HRVB include the resonance effect of certain HRV frequencies, activation of baroreflex and neuronal connections between the vagus nerve and the brain structures, especially, the frontal lobes.…”