Evaluation of HRV Biofeedback as a Resilience Building Intervention in the Reserve Component
Abstract
The Evaluation of HRV Biofeedback as a Resilience Building Intervention in the Reserve Component study will test heart rate variability biofeedback-assisted resilience training (HRV-BART) versus relaxation breathing training to see if resilience (i.e., the ability to bounce back from adversity) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) can be increased. The study will include both non-patients and participants who meet screening criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to see ifHRV biofeedback can be used as a treatment supplement and potential resilience-building intervention. The specific aims of this study are to (1) develop a mobile app for use with the BART protocol; (2) examine the relationship between baseline HRV and resilience, mental health, substance use, stress and physical health measures; (3) examine how much military personnel with mental health symptoms have lower HRVs and resilience measures at baseline and changeover time; and ( 4) find out how having other mental health issues may affect the impact of HRV-BART on resilience, coping, and PTG scale scores. The study team will recruit 200-500 Reserve Component service members (RCSMs) through behavioral health providers and inactive duty training activities as well as fire and police first responders from North Carolina. Participants will be randomized to receive a 1.5-hour group introductory training in either HRV-BART or relaxation breathing alone and be assessed on baseline HRV and mental and physical health questionnaires. Participants will then be provided with a phone app and Polar heart monitor strap for weekly practice and assessments and follow-ups at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We will look for changes in HRV, PTG, and resilience over time to determine the optimal length for each training. We will also determine training effectiveness for those with sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD. To date, we have received all IRB approvals, conducted a pilot test determining optimal data
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1060400
Entities
People
- Laurel L Hourani
- Maria Davila