Asthma therapy using Heart Rate Variability modulation by biofeedback

Abstract

Background: Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most popular methods used to evaluate autonomic modulations of the heart. Bronchial asthma has received special attention by researchers investigating the impact of autonomic disturbances on the disease etiology. Several publications have addressed the possible beneficial effect of biofeedback on asthma by influencing the HRV. Method: 60 patients with moderate asthma are being recruited, randomly selected. 2/3 of the patients exercise HRV biofeedback treatment, 1/3 of patients performs a music treatment as a control for 15 weeks. The biofeedback group received HRV biofeedback and supportive training in progressive muscle relaxation, pursed-lips and abdominal breathing; on the last 7 weeks the subject received exposer training to simulate response to asthma attack. The biofeedback group uses iFeel Labs oximeter and mobile application that guides the user how to preform HRV biofeedback, enabling behavior change by providing mobile games that correlate progress with HRV performance. The music group followed a similar protocol but with music relaxation treatment. Asthma Control Questionnaire and spirometry test was reported weekly. Results: Preliminary results from the first 11 patients (7 biofeedback and 4 controls) shows in the biofeedback group an improvement of 32% in Asthma control (p Conclusion: It is suggested that HRV biofeedback may improve asthma control adjunct to asthma treatment and may reduce usage of rescue medications. Further evaluation is warranted.