Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback: Using Slow-Paced Breathing as a Window to Improved Health and Autonomic Regulation

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is considered as an index of autonomic nervous system function. A higher vagally mediated HRV (vmHRV) is known to be associated with higher life expectancy, greater cognitive flexibility and resilience to stress and is a relevant marker positively related to health, well-being, and self-regulation.In the recent years, HRV biofeedback (HRVB) paired with slow-paced breathing has garnered attention as a promising non-pharmacological intervention with potential benefits in conditions such as stress management and in disorders like depression, anxiety, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal pain disorders.