Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Adults with a Spinal Cord Injury: A Laboratory Framework and Case Series

Area of Science:

• Neurocardiac self-regulation therapy
• Autonomic nervous system function
• Spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation

Background:

• Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-F) is a therapy to regulate autonomic nervous system activity.
• Existing research highlights HRV-F benefits in various populations, but its effects on adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) remain unexplored.
• Understanding HRV-F's impact is crucial for developing novel rehabilitation strategies for SCI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and impact of a 10-week HRV-F training program on adults with chronic SCI.
• To assess physiological and self-reported outcomes in individuals with SCI undergoing HRV-F.
• To explore the potential of HRV-F in improving autonomic balance and psychosocial well-being post-SCI.

Main Methods:

• A 10-week HRV-F intervention combining face-to-face and telehealth sessions with daily home practice.
• Inclusion of two adult participants with chronic SCI (T1 AIS A and T3 AIS C) with varying autonomic function.
• Baseline and 10-week assessments of physiological markers (HRV, BPV, BRS) and self-reported measures (fatigue, anxiety, mood, quality of life).

Main Results:

• The HRV-F intervention was feasible for participants with chronic SCI.
• Observed improvements in physiological measures including heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS).
• Participants reported enhancements in mood, fatigue, pain perception, quality of life, and self-perception.

Conclusions:

• A 10-week HRV-F intervention is feasible in adults with chronic SCI.
• HRV-F demonstrates potential for improving autonomic function and psychosocial outcomes in the SCI population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the broader autonomic and psychosocial effects of HRV-F in SCI.