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HRV biofeedback for pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain: a clinical replication series
Mark J Stern1, Robert A F Guiles, Richard Gevirtz
1Clinical Psychology PhD Program, California School of Professional Psychology, 10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA, 92131, USA.
Insights
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) shows promise for treating pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP). Most patients achieved significant symptom improvement, indicating HRVB
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychophysiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) are common functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Autonomic dysregulation is frequently associated with IBS and FAP.
- Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) is an emerging intervention for these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical outcomes of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) in pediatric patients with IBS or FAP.
- To analyze patient satisfaction and qualitative experiences with HRVB treatment.
- To assess the efficacy of HRVB in a real-world clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of archival data from 27 consecutive pediatric outpatients diagnosed with IBS or FAP.
- Treatment involved Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB).
- Outcomes were based on self-report measures of remission (full or partial) and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- High remission rates were observed: 69.2% full remission and 30.8% partial remission for IBS patients.
- Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) patients also showed high remission rates: 63.6% full remission and 36.4% partial remission.
- All patients reported improvement to a satisfactory level (>50%), with many feeling validated by psychophysiological education.
Conclusions:
- Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) appears to be a promising intervention for pediatric IBS and FAP.
- The intervention led to significant clinical improvements and high patient satisfaction.
- Further randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm the clinical efficacy of HRVB for IBS and FAP.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Functional Abdominal Pain (FAP) are among the most commonly reported Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Both have been associated with varying autonomic dysregulation. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has recently begun to show efficacy in the treatment of both IBS and FAP. The purpose of this multiple clinical replication series was to analyze the clinical outcomes of utilizing HRVB in a clinical setting. Archival data of twenty-seven consecutive pediatric outpatients diagnosed with IBS or FAP who received HRVB were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were self-report and categorized as full or remission with patient satisfaction, or no improvement. Qualitative reports of patient experiences were also noted. Full remission was achieved by 69.2 % and partial remission was achieved by 30.8 % of IBS patients. Full remission was achieved by 63.6 % and partial remission was achieved by 36.4 % of FAP patients. No patients in either group did not improve to a level of patient satisfaction or >50 %. Patient's commonly reported feeling validated in their discomfort as a result of psychophysiological education. Results suggest that HRVB is a promising intervention for pediatric outpatients with IBS or FAP. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to accurately determine clinical efficacy of HRVB in the treatment of IBS and FAP.
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