Cognitive and Autonomic Effects of a Single HRV Biofeedback Session During a Time-Pressured Chess Task: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychophysiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

• Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) is known for stress reduction.
• Limited research exists on acute HRVBF effects on performance-related psychophysiology and cognition.
• Investigating short-term HRVBF interventions is crucial for understanding their immediate impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the acute effects of a 10-minute HRVBF session on autonomic markers, anxiety, and cognitive performance.
• To assess changes in physiological stress index (SI) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices.
• To evaluate the impact on problem-solving accuracy in a time-pressured chess task.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot study with 20 chess players.
• Intervention group received 10-minute HRVBF with 0.1 Hz paced breathing.
• Control group underwent seated spontaneous breathing; anxiety measured by STAI; cognitive task assessed accuracy.

Main Results:

• HRVBF group showed reduced heart rate and respiratory rate.
• A transient increase in the LF/HF ratio was observed post-HRVBF.
• Modest improvements in cognitive accuracy were noted, but changes in vagal tone and anxiety were limited.

Conclusions:

• A single short HRVBF session may acutely impact autonomic markers and cognitive performance under pressure.
• The effects on vagal tone and subjective anxiety appear minimal.
• Further investigation is required to fully understand the efficacy and limitations of short HRVBF interventions.