Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Based on Slow-Paced Breathing With Immersive Virtual Reality Nature Scenery

Johannes Blum, Christoph Rockstroh, Anja S Göritz, Johannes Blum, Christoph Rockstroh, Anja S Göritz

Abstract

This study investigated the benefits of using a virtual nature environment to administer immersive heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) based on slow-paced breathing. We compared the virtual reality (VR)-based HRV-BF with a standard implementation in a randomized controlled experiment with 60 healthy employees. After a cognitive stress induction, the participants performed a single-session of HRV-BF before repeating the cognitive stressor task. VR-based versus standard HRV-BF was comparable in terms of biofeedback performance (cardiac coherence and cardiac vagal tone). However, the VR-based implementation buffered perceived stress in the subsequent stressor task, increased relaxation self-efficacy more, reduced mind wandering, helped participants focus on the present moment, and helped preserve attentional resources. Potential long-term effects and generalizability need to be assessed in future research.

Keywords: attentional focus; attentional resources; biofeedback; heart rate variability; mind wandering; nature environment; relaxation self-efficacy; virtual reality.

Copyright © 2019 Blum, Rockstroh and Göritz.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Screenshot of the virtual environment in the VR-BF condition.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Phases of the experiment. Q, questionnaire; S, Stroop; T, treatment.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mean heart rate (bpm) by condition. Error bars represent 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Mean STAI-S (sum score) by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Relaxation self-efficacy by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mean state mindfulness of mind and body by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mean task-related and task-irrelevant interference by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Mean reaction times (in seconds) for congruent and incongruent stimuli by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Cardiac coherence by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.
Figure 10
Figure 10
RMSSD (ms) by condition. Error bars represent 95% CI.

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