Biofeedback for Psoriasis

July 8, 2024 updated by: Bastyr University

A Proof-of-Concept Study Exploring HRV-Biofeedback for Psoriasis and Associated Psychological Comorbidities

We are conducting a proof-of-concept trial to study the impact of HRV-biofeedback, a mind-body technique designed to improve stress resilience, on the quality of life, mood, and clinical skin severity of patients with psoriasis.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Psoriasis is a common, chronic stress-related disease of the skin and joints that is associated with significantly impaired quality of life (QoL) and psychological comorbidity, most notably anxiety, depression, and suicidality. The objective of this study is to explore the influence of heart rate variability-biofeedback training (HRV-BF) on measures rating QoL, mental health, and clinical severity of psoriasis. We aim to further understand the bidirectional relationship between stress and the skin and to determine whether HRV-BF has the potential to be a beneficial adjuvant therapy for psychocutaneous disorders. A single-arm, proof-of-concept trial will be conducted using a modified, 7-week HRV-BF resiliency protocol at Bastyr University California in a small sample of subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. In order to measure the outcomes of the intervention on the clinical manifestations of psoriasis, we will be administering a set of validated, physician-rated and patient-reported questionnaires, including the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), in addition to other HRV-BF-specific screening questionnaires to assess whether the subject has any contraindications to this protocol. These assessments will be collected at baseline, end of trial, and at 1-month follow-up for statistical analysis. The goal of this trial is to explore the novel application of HRV-BF for psychocutaneous disorders in order to fill a gap in the provision of evidence-based, integrative services addressing the serious and sometimes fatal psychological impacts of psoriasis.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

5

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • California
      • San Diego, California, United States, 92101
        • Bastyr University Clinic

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Diagnosed with or are currently experiencing symptoms of psoriasis
  • Located in San Diego or within driving distance
  • Have daily access to a smart phone, computer, or tablet
  • Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

  • High risk of suicidality
  • History of chronic kidney disease
  • Pacemaker
  • Active pregnancy or treatment of cancer or HIV

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: N/A
  • Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: HRV-Biofeedback
Other: HRV-Biofeedback/Mind-Body Therapy
A 7-week protocol using real-time feedback on heart rate variability

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Time Frame
Psoriasis Area and Life Quality Index
Time Frame: 11 weeks
11 weeks
Dermatology Life Quality Index
Time Frame: 11 weeks
11 weeks
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7
Time Frame: 11 weeks
11 weeks
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Time Frame: 11 weeks
11 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Bastyr University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

June 7, 2022

Primary Completion (Actual)

December 31, 2022

Study Completion (Actual)

March 31, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 16, 2022

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 16, 2022

First Posted (Actual)

August 18, 2022

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 9, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 8, 2024

Last Verified

July 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • 22-1714

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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