Evaluation of HRV Biofeedback as a Resilience Building Intervention in the Reserve Component (BART)

Abstract

The specific aims of this study are to (1) develop a mobile app for use with the Biofeedback- Assisted Resilient Training (BART) protocol; (2) examine the relationship between baseline heart rate variability (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 change over time; and (4) find out how having other mental health issues may affect the impact of HRV-BART on resilience, coping, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) scale scores. Reserve Component service members (RCSMs) 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 for up to 12 months. To date, we have received all Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals, conducted a pilot test determining optimal data collection devices, developed the software and other programming needed for the study, developed all recruitment materials, recruited and tracked 329 participants as of July 31, requested an add on to extend data collection through September and begun data preparation and analysis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2018
Accession Number
AD1060402

Entities

People

  • Maria Davila

Organizations

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Engineered Resilient Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Electronic Mail
  • Employment
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Personnel
  • Mobile Application Software
  • Mobile Software
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Students
  • Surveys
  • Traumatic Stress Disorder

Readers

  • Clinical Trial Research.
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.