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Relaxation training assisted by heart rate variability biofeedback: Implication for a military predeployment stress
Gregory F Lewis1, Laurel Hourani1, Stephen Tueller1
1RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
Psychophysiology
|June 23, 2015
Summary
Pre-deployment stress inoculation training (PRESTINT) with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback improved military personnel's autonomic stress response. This training enhanced parasympathetic activity, reducing arousal during simulated combat and potentially mitigating PTSD symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychophysiology
- Military Mental Health
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
- The impact of PTSD on autonomic stress response and the efficacy of HRV biofeedback in PTSD symptom management remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a predeployment stress inoculation training (PRESTINT) protocol on HRV measures in a military population.
- To assess the influence of HRV biofeedback-assisted relaxation training on autonomic stress response and PTSD symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A large military sample was randomly assigned to either HRV biofeedback-assisted relaxation training or a control condition.
- Physiologic measures of HRV were assessed before and after the PRESTINT protocol.
- Participants underwent a posttraining combat simulation to evaluate arousal and autonomic reactivity.
Main Results:
- PRESTINT significantly altered parasympathetic regulation of cardiac activity, indicated by greater HRV in the experimental group.
- The experimental group exhibited less arousal during the posttraining combat simulation compared to the control group.
- Autonomic reactivity correlated with PTSD symptoms and self-reported use of mental health services.
Conclusions:
- PRESTINT, particularly with HRV biofeedback, can enhance parasympathetic modulation of stress responses in military personnel.
- This training may serve as an effective self-help tool to reduce psychological harm from trauma exposure.
- Future PRESTINT protocols could improve coping mechanisms for stress and reduce the incidence or severity of PTSD.
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