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. 2021 Dec;46(4):347-358.
doi: 10.1007/s10484-021-09519-x.

Pilot Study on Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety with a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Wearable and Remote Stress Management Coach

Adrienne H Chung  1 , Richard N Gevirtz  2 , Raouf S Gharbo  3 , Melinda A Thiam  4 , J P Jack Ginsberg  5
Affiliations

Pilot Study on Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety with a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Wearable and Remote Stress Management Coach

Adrienne H Chung et al. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

We assessed the feasibility of using a consumer friendly, heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) wearable device in conjunction with a remote stress management coach to reduce symptoms of anxiety. We utilized a discreet, continuously wearable electrocardiogram device, the Lief Smart Patch, which measures and records heart rate and HRV in real time, and guides HRVB exercises using vibrations and visual cues. During the 8-week study, participants (N = 14) wore the Lief Smart Patch, participated in HRVB with the device, utilized the mobile app, and communicated with a remote stress management coach. We collected self-report survey responses to measure symptoms of anxiety (GAD-2) and depression (PHQ-2) every 2 weeks, as well as HRV data throughout the study. Participants' mean GAD-2 score began at 4.6 out of 6. By the trial's completion, the group's mean GAD-2 score dropped to 1.7 (t(13) = 11.0, p < .001) with only 2 of the 14 subjects remaining over the clinical threshold of high anxiety. Similarly, the group's mean PHQ-2 score dropped from 2.93 to 1.29 (t(13) = 3.54, p < .01). In addition, participants increased their HRV (RMSSD) by an average of + 11.4 ms after participating in a low dose biofeedback exercise. These findings suggest that engaging in HRVB through a discreet wearable device in conjunction with a remote stress management program may be effective for reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Keywords: Autonomic dysfunction; Heart rate variability biofeedback; Relaxation training; Symptoms of anxiety; Wearable electronic devices.

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Conflict of interest statement

One author, Adrienne Chung, owns equity in Lief Therapeutics and is their Head of Behavioral Health Communication. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Mean GAD-2 scores across 6 time points
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Facebook recruitment Ad
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Instructions for correct placement of the Lief smart patch
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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