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).

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Human Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Prinsloo, Gabriell Elizabeth

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Derman, Wayne

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/11185

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/11185