Voluntary upregulation of heart rate variability through biofeedback is improved by mental contemplative training

Abstract

Regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, indexed through high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), is indicative of physical and psychological health. However, little is known about the trainability of this capacity. We investigated the effects of a 9-month mental training program (the ReSource Project; n = 298) on voluntary HF-HRV upregulation, assessed with a novel biofeedback procedure. The program consisted of attentional, interoceptive, socio-affective and socio-cognitive training elements, all of which potentially influence parasympathetic regulation. Based on known links between oxytocin and parasympathetic activity, we also explored the relationship of HF-HRV upregulation to the oxytocin receptor system. We found that HF-HRV during the biofeedback session increased after 3 months of training, concomitant with prolonged respiration cycles. Breathing-controlled changes in HF-HRV upregulation, indicative of improved parasympathetic control, were significantly increased after 6 months of training. Homozygous risk allele carriers (AA) of the oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism rs53576 showed initially lower parasympathetic control, but fully compensated for their initial deficits through the training. No changes were found for HF-HRV at rest. Our data demonstrate that a mental training intervention extending over several months can increase the capacity for voluntary regulation of HF-HRV, with important implications for improving individual and societal health.

Development of a Nostalgic Remembering Intervention

“… 20 Furthermore, intentionally strengthening feeling safe may provide a basis for voluntary upregulation of HRV and self-regulation of autonomic function. 72 …”

“…Longitudinal randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the sustainability of changes in autonomic nervous system and HPA-axis activity and immune function. 72 A better understanding of potential moderating variables, including comorbid conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, will be important to research efforts. 59 Perceived stress, sensitivity to social disconnection, anxiety and depression symptoms, and sleep disturbance may also serve as relevant moderators.…”

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A Concept Analysis

“…Initial assessment of mental health at point of hire for ICU nurses and ongoing assessment checks can assist in early identification and prevention of PTSD. HRV can be a valuable, noninvasive measure in detection of psychological stress and assessment of the autonomic nervous system (Bornemann et al, 2019; Hourani et al, 2020). If low HRV is discerned at point of hire, nurse managers could suggest mindfulness-based cognitive training (MBCT) to mitigate psychological stress.…”

Activity-Dependent Neuroplastic Changes in Autonomic Circuitry Modulating Cardiovascular Control: The Essential Role of Baroreceptors and Chemoreceptors Signaling

“…It should be noted that afferent signaling changes should not be the only mechanism to drive plastic changes in autonomic circuitry. Bornemann et al (2019) recently showed that a long-lasting mental training intervention influenced the parasympathetic modulation of heart rate variability in individuals carrying the homozygous allele AA of the oxytocin receptor gene. It remains to be determined whether this or other stimuli do change the plasticity of preautonomic OTergic pathways.…”