A systematic review of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback treatment following traumatic brain injury (TBI)

ABSTRACT

Objective

Autonomic nervous system dysregulation is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Heart rate variability (HRV) is a cost-effective measure of autonomic nervous system functioning, with studies suggesting decreased HRV following moderate-to-severe TBI. HRV biofeedback treatment may improve post-TBI autonomic nervous system functioning and post-injury emotional and cognitive functioning. We provide a systematic evidence-based review of the state of the literature and effectiveness of HRV biofeedback following TBI.

Method

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two coders coded each article and provided quality ratings. Seven papers met inclusion criteria. All studies included a measure of emotional functioning and 5 studies (63%) included neuropsychological outcomes.

Results

Participants completed 11 sessions of HRV biofeedback on average (range = 1 to 40). HRV biofeedback was associated with improved HRV following TBI. There was a positive relationship between increased HRV and TBI recovery following biofeedback, including improvements in cognitive and emotional functioning, and physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and sleep problems.

Conclusion

The literature on HRV biofeedback for TBI is promising, but in its infancy; effectiveness is unclear due to poor-to-fair study quality, and potential publication bias (all studies reported positive results).

KEYWORDS:

• Autonomic nervous system
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Heart rate variability (HRV)
• Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB)
• Systematic review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by a grant from the Brigham Young University College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences.