Search Research Library:
Research Library
Publication
Emotion Regulation After Acquired Brain Injury: A Study of Heart Rate Variability, attentional Control, and Psychophysiology
Abstract
Primary Objective
To examine the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) to treat emotional dysregulation in persons with acquired brain injury.
Design
A secondary analysis of a quasi-experimental study which enrolled 13 individuals with severe chronic acquired brain injury participating in a community-based programme. Response-to-treatment was measured with two HRV resonance indices (low frequency activity [LF] and low frequency/high frequency ratio [LF/HF]).
Main Outcome
Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-informant report (emotional control subscale [EC]).
Results
Results show significant correlation between LF and EC with higher LF activity associated with greater emotional control; the association between LF/HF pre-post-change score and EC is not statistically significant. A moderation model, however, demonstrates a significant influence of attention on the relation between LF/HF change and EC when attention level is high, with an increase in LF/HF activity associated with greater emotional control.