Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure the effects of a condensed 90 minute Biofeedback Training (BFT) method on stress response and decision making performance under stress. Forty one novice male participants received either BFT training, which incorporated diaphragmatic breathing with Stress Inoculation Training (SIT), or a control training task. Participants completed pre- and post-training assessments which incorporated a socio evaluative stress induction method followed immediately by performance of a simulation-based decision making under stress scenario. Stress was assessed using real-time physiological measures of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) response and cortisol measures of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis stress response. Perceived stress was measured using the state portion of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and decision making performance was assessed during scenario performance. Results showed that participants in the BFT condition experienced a significant reduction in cortisol from pre-training to post-training, while the control group did not. However, BFT participants did not experience statistically significant reductions in ANS stress response or in perceived stress compared to the control group. Participants in the biofeedback group experienced greater improvements in performance from pre-training to post-training compared to the control group; however, these results only approached statistical significance (p = 0.09). These results suggest that the condensed BFT method has the potential to impart the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the biofeedback-based coping mechanisms; however, it may require additional practice time to allow the technique to be utilized more effectively.
Highlights
Stress is a central aspect of human life
These results suggest that the condensed Biofeedback Training (BFT) method has the potential to impart the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the biofeedback-based coping mechanisms; it may require additional practice time to allow the technique to be utilized more effectively
It was hypothesized that the BFT method would lead to significant reductions in physiological stress responses as indicated by measures of both the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the HPA Axis
Summary
Stress is a central aspect of human life. While exposure to moderate, acute stress is associated with improved performance, long-term severe stress can reduce fine motor performance [1], attention [2], and cognitive function [3] due to biological and neural mechanisms. Extended exposure to stress or exposure to severe traumatic stressors are associated with an increased likelihood of developing clinical stress disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or suicide ideation and attempt [6]. Combat stress has been shown to affect midbrain activity and attention, including reduced functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and midbrain, which persisted at an 18 month follow-up [3]. Surging military rates of PTSD [8] and suicide in the wake of the US military operations in the Middle East [9], illustrate the need for training to prepare individuals to recognize and cope with severe stress both during performance and in the aftermath
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