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Carta MG, Testa G, Stocchino S, Finco G, Sancassiani F, Littera MT, Deidda MC, Ventriglio A, Bhugra D, Cossu G. The efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback training on sleep disorders and impact of fibromyalgia: Results of a phase II randomized controlled trial. J Psychosom Res 2024; 181:111664. [PMID: 38652978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMs) is a chronic, musculoskeletal pain disorder characterized by sleep disturbances, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) aiming to improve self-regulation and strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system has been shown to be effective in several pain syndromes, but its efficacy in FMs has not been adequately investigated. This Phase II trial aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary measurement of the improvement induced by HRV-BF in FMs. METHODS Sixty-four patients with FMs were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG received 10 HRV-BF training sessions in addition to pharmacological standard therapy. The CG received standard therapies for 10 weeks. The FMs impact on daily life, sleep regularity, sense of coherence, depression symptoms and pain has been assessed as primary outcomes, quality of life as secondary. RESULT 23 (71.9%) of EG patients completed the intervention and 20 (62.5%) of the CG were re-evaluated at time T1. No side effects were reported. It was not found any statistical differences between groups over time in primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The HRV-BF intervention did not demonstrate efficacy in both primary and secondary outcomes. However, it is quite feasible in terms of drop-out rate and side effects. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine its actual efficacy. CLINICALTRIALS gov with code: NCT04121832.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giorgia Testa
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Serena Stocchino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriele Finco
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Teresa Littera
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychological Sciences and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Deidda
- University Hospital of Cagliari, Center for Palliative Care and Pain Management, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Dinesh Bhugra
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Cossu
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Tosti B, Corrado S, Mancone S, Di Libero T, Rodio A, Andrade A, Diotaiuti P. Integrated use of biofeedback and neurofeedback techniques in treating pathological conditions and improving performance: a narrative review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1358481. [PMID: 38567285 PMCID: PMC10985214 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1358481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the scientific community has begun tо explore the efficacy оf an integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach іn various conditions, both pathological and non-pathological. Although several studies have contributed valuable insights into its potential benefits, this review aims tо further investigate its effectiveness by synthesizing current findings and identifying areas for future research. Our goal іs tо provide a comprehensive overview that may highlight gaps іn the existing literature and propose directions for subsequent studies. The search for articles was conducted on the digital databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies to have used the integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach published between 2014 and 2023 and reviews to have analyzed the efficacy of neurofeedback and biofeedback, separately, related to the same time interval and topics were selected. The search identified five studies compatible with the objectives of the review, related to several conditions: nicotine addiction, sports performance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The integrated neurofeedback + biofeedback approach has been shown to be effective in improving several aspects of these conditions, such as a reduction in the presence of psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms and an increase in self-esteem in smokers; improvements in communication, imitation, social/cognitive awareness, and social behavior in ASD subjects; improvements in attention, alertness, and reaction time in sports champions; and improvements in attention and inhibitory control in ADHD subjects. Further research, characterized by greater methodological rigor, is therefore needed to determine the effectiveness of this method and the superiority, if any, of this type of training over the single administration of either. This review іs intended tо serve as a catalyst for future research, signaling promising directions for the advancement оf biofeedback and neurofeedback methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tosti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Tommaso Di Libero
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Angelo Rodio
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Department of Physical Education, CEFID, Santa Catarina State University, Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino, Cassino, Lazio, Italy
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Antunes MD, da Rocha Loures FCN, de Souza IMB, Cruz AT, de Oliveira Januário P, Pinheiro MMLS, Schmitt ACB, Frutos-Bernal E, Martín-Nogueras AM, Marques AP. A web-based educational therapy intervention associated with physical exercise to promote health in fibromyalgia in Brazil: the Amigos De Fibro (Fibro Friends) study protocol. Trials 2023; 24:655. [PMID: 37814321 PMCID: PMC10561409 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health education is one of the main items to enable health promotion to patients with fibromyalgia. The objective of the study "Amigos de Fibro (Fibro Friends)" is to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention associated with physical exercise based on the web in promoting health and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia in Brazil. METHODS A study with a randomized controlled trial approach will be carried out. The sample will consist of 24 participants, divided into two groups, with 12 individuals each. The experimental group will participate in meetings with lectures, debates, conversation rounds and exercises by a multidisciplinary team. Physical exercises will also be performed in an online environment. On the other hand, the control group will receive an e-book of education and self-care. Primary outcomes will be quality of life. The secondary outcomes will be sociodemographic and health profile, pain intensity, sleep quality, self-care agency, usage and costs of health and social care services, viability of the program and program participation. In addition, a qualitative evaluation process will be carried out with the participants. After the intervention, the data of both groups will be collected again, as well as after 3, 6, and 12 months to verify the effect and the maintenance of the intervention. DISCUSSION The results will provide data for studies to consider the use of this tool in the future by professionals working in the field of rheumatology. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials RBR-3rh759 ( https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=RBR-3rh759 ). Date of registration: 07/02/2020].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus Dias Antunes
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Ingred Merllin Batista de Souza
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariela Torres Cruz
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila de Oliveira Januário
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Maria Lisboa Santana Pinheiro
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Basso Schmitt
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisa Frutos-Bernal
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Amélia Pasqual Marques
- Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lalanza JF, Lorente S, Bullich R, García C, Losilla JM, Capdevila L. Methods for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB): A Systematic Review and Guidelines. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:275-297. [PMID: 36917418 PMCID: PMC10412682 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has been widely used to improve cardiovascular health and well-being. HRVB is based on breathing at an individual's resonance frequency, which stimulates respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the baroreflex. There is, however, no methodological consensus on how to apply HRVB, while details about the protocol used are often not well reported. Thus, the objectives of this systematic review are to describe the different HRVB protocols and detect methodological concerns. PsycINFO, CINALH, Medline and Web of Science were searched between 2000 and April 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment were based on PRISMA guidelines. A total of 143 studies were finally included from any scientific field and any type of sample. Three protocols for HRVB were found: (i) "Optimal RF" (n = 37), each participant breathes at their previously detected RF; (ii) "Individual RF" (n = 48), each participant follows a biofeedback device that shows the optimal breathing rate based on cardiovascular data in real time, and (iii) "Preset-pace RF" (n = 51), all participants breathe at the same rate rate, usually 6 breaths/minute. In addition, we found several methodological differences for applying HRVB in terms of number of weeks, duration of breathing or combination of laboratory and home sessions. Remarkably, almost 2/3 of the studies did not report enough information to replicate the HRVB protocol in terms of breathing duration, inhalation/exhalation ratio, breathing control or body position. Methodological guidelines and a checklist are proposed to enhance the methodological quality of future HRVB studies and increase the information reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume F Lalanza
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sonia Lorente
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Pediatric Area, Hospital de Terrassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Raimon Bullich
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carlos García
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Losilla
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lluis Capdevila
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Departament of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Courel-Ibáñez J, Estévez-López F, Hughes C, Adams N, Fullen BM, Davison G, Montgomery A, Cramp F, Maestre C, Martin D, McVeigh JG. Proof of concept of prehabilitation: a combination of education and behavioural change, to promote physical activity in people with fibromyalgia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070609. [PMID: 37451740 PMCID: PMC10351288 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish proof of concept of a prehabilitation intervention, a combination of education and behavioural change, preceding a physical activity programme in people with fibromyalgia (FM). SETTINGS Open-label, feasibility clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Eleven people with FM (10 women). INTERVENTIONS The prehabilitation intervention consisted of 4 weeks, 1 weekly session (~1 to 1.5 hours), aimed to increase self-efficacy and understand why and how to engage in a gentle and self-paced physical activity programme (6 weeks of walking with telephone support). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was the acceptability and credibility of the intervention by means of the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes comprised scales to measure FM severity, specific symptoms and sedentary behaviour. An exit interview was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses and barriers to the intervention. RESULTS One participant dropped out due to finding the walking programme excessively stressful. Participants expected the intervention would improve their symptoms by 22%-38% but resulted in 5%-26% improvements. Participants would be confident in recommending this intervention to a friend who experiences similar problems. The interviews suggested that the fluctuation of symptoms should be considered as an outcome and that the prehabilitation intervention should accomodate these fluctuation. Additional suggestions were to incorporate initial interviews (patient-centred approach), to tailor the programmes to individuals' priorities and to offer a variety of physical activity programmes to improve motivation. CONCLUSIONS This feasibility study demonstrated that our novel approach is acceptable to people with FM. Future interventions should pay attention to flexibility, symptoms fluctuation and patients support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03764397.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Courel-Ibáñez
- Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Melilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Estévez-López
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, SPORT Research Group (CTS-1024) and CERNEP Research Center, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ciara Hughes
- School of Health Sciences, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Nicola Adams
- Department of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Brona M Fullen
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gareth Davison
- Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Fiona Cramp
- College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Cristina Maestre
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Denis Martin
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University & NIHR Applied Research Collaboration for the North East and North Cumbria, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Joseph G McVeigh
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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A Pilot Study of a Three-Session Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:51-65. [PMID: 36331685 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-022-09565-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Many veterans do not complete traditional trauma treatments; others may continue to struggle with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even after completing a full course of therapy (Blasé et al., in Int J Environ Res Public Health 18(7):Article 3329, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073329 , 2016). Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback (HRVB) is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological, breathing-based cardiorespiratory training technique that can reduce trauma symptoms and improve HRV parameters. Prior studies have demonstrated HRVB is well-tolerated by veterans with PTSD symptoms (Tan et al., in Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 36(1):27-35, 10.1007/s10484-010-9141-y, 2011; Schuman and Killian, in Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 44(1):9-20, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-018-9415-3 , 2019). This randomized wait-list controlled pilot study tested a short mobile app-adapted HRVB intervention in combination with treatment as usual for veterans with military-related PTSD to determine if further investigation was warranted. We assessed veterans' military-related PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and HRV time and frequency domain measures at baseline, after three clinical sessions, and one month later. This study combined clinical training and home biofeedback with a smartphone app and sensor to reinforce training and validate adherence. In the intervention group, depression and SDNN significantly improved, and we observed marginally significant improvements for PTSD Cluster B (intrusion) symptoms, whereas no significant improvements were observed in the control group. In addition, the brief protocol was acceptable to veterans with PTSD with over 83% of participants completing the study. However, adherence to home practice was low. Findings suggest brief HRVB interventions can decrease comorbid depression and improve overall autonomic function in veterans with PTSD; however, additional research on home biofeedback is necessary to determine the best strategies to increase adherence and which veterans would benefit from brief HRVB interventions.
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Effectiveness of aquatic therapy on sleep in persons with fibromyalgia. A meta-analysis. Sleep Med 2023; 102:76-83. [PMID: 36603514 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by persistent, widespread pain, myofascial tenderness, negative affect, fatigue, memory problems and sleep disturbances. OBJECTIVE To summarize the evidence of the effects of aquatic therapy on sleep quality in patients with FMS. METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols 2020 (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), whit the registration number CRD42021249982. Cochrane library, Medline (PubMed), Science Direct Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and PEDro were searched from inception until September 2021. The search included only randomized clinical trials. RESULTS Of the 7711 studies identified in the initial search, a total of 7 trials (361 participants) satisfied the eligibility criteria. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted with 6 studies (311 participants). The overall pooled effect favored aquatic therapy interventions in improving sleep quality in patients with FMS (pooled MD, -2.05; 95% CI, -4.35 to 0.25). CONCLUSIONS The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that aquatic therapy improved sleep quality in patients with FMS. This study highlights the importance of aquatic therapy for sleep. Nonetheless, although an aquatic therapy intervention may represent a good option to improve sleep, given the low number of studies the evidence should be taken with caution.
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Sevoz-Couche C, Laborde S. Heart rate variability and slow-paced breathing:when coherence meets resonance. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104576. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Veterans' Insights on Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback to Treat Fibromyalgia-Related Pain. Pain Manag Nurs 2021; 23:196-203. [PMID: 34284943 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is a self-management strategy that guides individuals to breathe at a designated resonance frequency of the cardiovascular system. Resonant breathing may reduce FM-related symptoms as well as improve physical functioning and quality of life. Although prior research recommends HRVB for chronic pain, we found no studies testing the feasibility for individuals with FM regarding protocol adherence or acceptability of the treatment. AIMS To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) protocol in a group of Veterans with fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN A multi-method feasibility and acceptability study. SETTINGS A Veterans Health outpatient pain medicine clinic. PARTICIPANTS/SUBJECTS We enrolled 7 women and 3 men between the ages of 33 and 68 years with a diagnosis of FM. METHODS We enrolled 10 veterans in a HRVB study using a recommended protocol to treat FM. Veterans were given a HRVB device, emWave2, and instructed to practice at home twice daily for 20 minutes per session. Following a 7-week intervention period, we conducted an end of study focus group. We used content analysis to develop themes to determine the feasibility of engaging in HRVB and adhering to the intervention protocol, as well as insights of veterans about the intervention. RESULTS Three common themes emerged: intervention implementation, protocol adherence, and self-awareness. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study suggest difficulties operating the emWave2 and scheduling challenges interfered with HRVB implementation. However, veterans reported self-awareness of the benefits of HRVB, positive physiological effects, and improved psychological effects. Future studies require a larger sample size to provide a deeper insight.
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