title: Heart rate variability biofeedback, executive functioning and chronic brain injury.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variability (HRV) through biofeedback and, if so, enhance its pattern to improve emotional regulation and problem-solving ability.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Thirteen individuals aged 23-63 years with severe brain injury (13-40 years post-onset) participating in a community-based programme were enrolled.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Response-to-treatment was measured with HRV indices, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A-Informant) and attention/problem-solving tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At post-treatment, HRV indices (Low Frequency/High Frequency [LF/HF] and coherence ratio) increased significantly. Increased LF/HF values during the second-half of a 10-minute session were associated with higher attention scores. Participants who scored better (by scoring lower) in informant ratings at pre-treatment had highest HRV scores at post-treatment. Accordingly, at post-treatment, families' ratings of participants' emotional control correlated with HRV indices; staffs' ratings of participants' working memory correlated with participants' HRV indices. Self-ratings of the BRIEF-A Task Monitoring scale at post-treatment correlated with family ratings at pre-treatment and post-treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results demonstrate an association between regulation of emotions/cognition and HRV training. Individuals with severe, chronic brain injury can modify HRV through biofeedback. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of this approach for modifying behavioural problems.
authors: Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA. sk519@nyu.edu
authors: Sonya
authors: S
authors: Kim
authors: Vance
authors: V
authors: Zemon
authors: Marie M
authors: MM
authors: Cavallo
authors: Joseph F
authors: JF
authors: Rath
authors: Rollin
authors: R
authors: McCraty
authors: Frederick W
authors: FW
authors: Foley
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D020208:Brain Injury, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003071:Cognition; D004562:Electrocardiography; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D057566:Self Report