Title | Pilot Study on Reducing Symptoms of Anxiety with a Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Wearable and Remote Stress Management Coach. | ||
Author | Chung, Adrienne H; Gevirtz, Richard N; Gharbo, Raouf S; Thiam, Melinda A; Ginsberg, J P Jack | ||
Journal | Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback | Publication Year/Month | 2021-Dec |
PMID | 34308526 | PMCID | PMC8310680 |
Affiliation + expend | 1.Lief Therapeutics, 2703 Seventh Street #301, Mailbox #123, Berkeley, CA, 94710, USA. Adrienne@getlief.com. |
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.