Abstract P627: Improved Autonomic Cardiovascular Regulation and Reduced Symptoms Associated with Use of Closed-loop Noninvasive Neurotechnology by Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic stress in healthcare workers is associated with insomnia and risk for adverse health outcomes. High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM) is a noninvasive, closed-loop acoustic stimulation neurotechnology that identifies dominant brain frequencies and translates them into audible tones, to support auto-calibration and self-optimization of brain rhythms. Objective: We explore use of HIRREM in a cohort of healthcare workers enrolled in an IRB-approved open label feasibility study of HIRREM for diverse neuropsychological disorders. Methods: Twenty five employees (16 female), mean (SD) age 45.8 (13.9), received 14.8 (4.7) HIRREM sessions (90-120 minutes each) over 9.0 (3.6) days of in-office intervention. Data was collected before (V1), and 15.4 (11.7) days after completion (V2). Outcomes included BP and HR recordings for autonomic cardiovascular regulation (baroreflex sensitivity, BRS, and heart rate variability, HRV), with inventories for insomnia (ISI), depression (CES-D), traumatic stress (PCL-C), quality of life (EQ-5D global rating), and drop stick reaction testing (RXT). Paired t-tests were performed. Results: BRS and HRV (n=17) improved from V1 to V2, including Sequence ALL (+2.4 ms/mmHg (SE 2.8), p=0.15), SDNN (+8.9 ms (4.1), p=0.04), and rMSSD ms (+9.2 (4.9), p=0.07). There were significant improvements in symptoms and function at V2; ISI (n=25): -8 (5.3), p<0.0001; CES-D (n=20): -7.3 (13.4), p=0.02; PCL-C (n=19): -12.1 (12.4); p<0.001; EQ-5D (n=16): +10.8 (12.5), p<0.01; RXT (n=18): -4.6 cm (5.5), p<0.01. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusions: This exploratory study shows improved measures of cardiovascular regulation, and reduced insomnia, depression, and stress associated with use of HIRREM in a cohort of employees at an academic medical center. Data suggest that HIRREM is a promising intervention that merits further investigation to mitigate effects of chronic stress and improve wellness.