Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention Programme to Improve Attention in Primary Schools.

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Attentional capacity is crucial for academic success, especially in primary school.
• Children aged 7-12 experience natural improvements in attention, with schools ideal for targeted interventions.
• Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as a reliable physiological indicator of attentional capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an HRV biofeedback intervention aimed at enhancing attentional capacity in primary school children.
• To assess the impact of the intervention across different primary school age groups.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase intervention: teacher training followed by individual student sessions focused on breathing techniques to increase HRV.
• Participants included 586 students (272 girls, 314 boys) aged 7-12 years.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments of attention were conducted on control and experimental groups.

Main Results:

• Students in the HRV biofeedback program showed significant increases in HRV and improved attentional capacity.
• The intervention's positive effects on attention were more pronounced in the first cycle of primary school.
• Improvements in attention were observed in addition to natural developmental gains.

Conclusions:

• HRV biofeedback, particularly when focused on breathing, is a viable method for improving attention in primary school children.
• The intervention offers a practical approach to support cognitive development and academic readiness in young learners.
• Evidence supports the integration of HRV biofeedback techniques into school-based programs to bolster children's attentional skills.