Search Research Library:

Research Library
Publication

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Changes and Cortical Volume Changes in a Randomized Trial of Five Weeks of Daily HRV Biofeedback in Younger and Older AdultsHeart Rate Variability (HRV) Changes and Cortical Volume Changes in a Randomized Trial of Five Weeks of Daily HRV Biofeedback in Younger and Older Adults

- Published: 2022
- Hyun Joo Yoo¹, Kaoru Nashiro¹, Jungwon Min¹, Christine Cho¹, Shelby L. Bachman¹, Padideh Nasseri¹, Shai Porat¹, Shubir Dutt¹, Vardui Grigoryan², Paul Choi¹, Julian F. Thayer³, Paul M. Lehrer⁴, Catie Chang⁵, and Mara Mather¹
- International Journal of Psychophysiology, Volume 181, 2022, Pages 50‑63.1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.2. University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.3. University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.4. Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.5. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Access the complete paper, click here.

Abstract

Previous studies indicate that the structure and function of medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are associated with heart rate variability (HRV). Typically, this association is assumed to reflect the PFC’s role in controlling HRV and emotion regulation, with better prefrontal structural integrity supporting greater HRV and better emotion regulation. However, as a control system, the PFC must monitor and respond to heart rate oscillatory activity. Thus, engaging in regulatory feedback during heart rate oscillatory activity may over time help shape PFC structure, as relevant circuits and connections are modified. In the current study with younger and older adults, we tested whether 5 weeks of daily sessions of biofeedback to increase heart rate oscillations (Osc+ condition) vs. to decrease heart rate oscillations (Osc− condition) affected cortical volume in left OFC and right OFC, two regions particularly associated with HRV in prior studies. The left OFC showed significant differences in volume change across conditions, with Osc+ increasing volume relative to Osc−. The volume changes in left OFC were significantly correlated with changes in mood disturbance. In addition, resting low frequency HRV increased more in the Osc+ than in the Osc− condition. These findings indicate that daily biofeedback sessions regulating heart rate oscillatory activity can shape both resting HRV and the brain circuits that help control HRV and regulate emotion.

Access the complete paper, click here.

Visit our Research Library to continue browsing our extensive collection of research studies, articles and other materials.