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Review
. 2024 Jun 13:15:1409173.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1409173. eCollection 2024.

Heart rate variability biofeedback to reduce anxiety in autism spectrum disorder - a mini review

Helen L Coulter  1   2 , Mark P Donnelly  3 , Anita Yakkundi  4   5 , Helen McAneney  5   6 , Owen G Barr  2   7 , W George Kernohan  2   7
Affiliations
Review

Heart rate variability biofeedback to reduce anxiety in autism spectrum disorder - a mini review

Helen L Coulter et al. Front Psychiatry. .

Abstract

There is a reported high prevalence of anxiety in people with autism spectrum disorder. This mini review appraises existing research investigating heart rate variability biofeedback to help manage symptoms of anxiety in people with autism spectrum disorder. A thorough search of electronic databases was conducted to find relevant literature. Consultation with experts and a librarian helped develop search terms following the PICO framework. Five databases were searched, and screening was undertaken using Covidence software, with the process outlined in a PRISMA flowchart. The latest review showed positive short-term effects but there is a need for long-term follow-up. Future investigations should consider device type, training settings, and control interventions. Accurate heart rate variability assessment independent of biofeedback devices is crucial. Additional measures like cortisol assessment and user feedback are recommended for comprehensive evaluation. The findings highlight progress in the evidence base and offer insight to future directions.

Keywords: anxiety; autism spectrum disorder; digital health; heart rate variability biofeedback; intervention.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA Flowchart (36) showing the overview of the identification of and screening of studies for inclusion in this review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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