Physiological effects of heart rate variability biofeedback during laboratory induced congnitive stress
Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback is effective in reducing stress as well as managing chronic disease. It facilitates easy manipulation of HRV, and, therefore, potentially provides a valuable intervention for altering the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The aim of this thesis was to examine the effects of a single 10 minute episode of HRV biofeedback on measures of HRV and EEG during and immediately after the intervention, measures of HRV and cognitive performance during laboratory induced cognitive stress and subjective feelings of anxiety and relaxation states after testing. Eighteen healthy male volunteers (34 ± 6 years) exposed to work-related stress, were randomised into an HRV biofeedback intervention (BIO) and a comparative intervention group (COM).
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