Using Functional Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback to Enhance Performance

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a normal fluctuation in heart rate patterns that can be influenced by an athlete breathing in a controlled and systematic way. HRV machines have been used previously with success as a specific biofeedback training modality to improve cardiac rehabilitation recovery. Several studies have supported the use of biofeedback to improve concentration, reduce anxiety, and to enhance performance; however, the majority of empirical studies have only focused on performance enhancement through the use of EMG, HR, and EEG feedback. In this study, baseball players were trained to regulate autonomic activity using functional HRV biofeedback while hitting. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of heart rate variability biofeedback training on performance. METHODS: This study used an intervention by time design with a pre and post test assessment to measure performance changes (2-way ANOVA with one repeated measure). A J&J I330 4-channel HRV machine with functional movement accessories was used on 43 randomly assigned skilled varsity baseball players (ages15-19). Prior to the onset of training and batting contests, no significant differences were found between participants on a 10-minute physiological assessment including baseline, stressor, and recovery periods. Pre and Post training physiological data were analyzed for group differences at baseline, stressor and recovery periods for EMG, HR, Skin Conductance, Temperature, and breathing patterns. The Fast Fourier analysis was used to derive measures of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. RESULTS: ANOVA investigations revealed a significant time effect for the HRV biofeedback and control groups, F = 23.14, p <.001, with a significant two-way interaction, F = 4.38, p =.043. Follow-up simple effect tests revealed a highly significant time effect for the HRV biofeedback group, F = 18.16, p <.001 and a significant time effect for the control group, F = 5.77, p =.027. Although both groups batting performance improved significantly, twice as much variance was accounted for in batting performance improvement over time for the HRV biofeedback group compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Research on using HRV to improve performance is limited, but results of this initial study look promising.