Psychophysiological Coherence Research Articles

A HeartMath intervention, focusing on coherence, resilience and faith, following a trauma

Traumatic experiences can have an impact on faith. HeartMath, which focuses on coherence and resilience, is one approach utilised to help overcome traumatic experiences. This study focused on a HeartMath intervention, emphasising psychophysiological coherence, sense of coherence, resilience and faith following a traumatic experience. A quasi-experimental, single, within-sample design was used. The purposeful sample consisted of 10 participants. A 12-week HeartMath intervention was undertaken. Related quantitative and qualitative coherence, resilience and faith measures were used at pre-test, re-test and, after intervention, post-test, with participant diaries completed. Quantitatively, there were significant post-intervention positive improvements in physiological average coherence, achievement, and low, medium and high coherence level scores. Although not significant, there were improvements in the resilience scale and faith scale. However, there was no improvement in the sense of coherence scale total score. Qualitatively, there were positive integrative thematic changes in experiences of the sense of coherence, resilience and faith. Recommended next research steps were a case study on causal, correlational and relationship mechanisms of change, followed by an appreciative inquiry evaluating HeartMath as a pastoral care and counselling intervention.Contribution: This article contributes to the area of practical theology, specifically pastoral care and counselling, as it quasi-experimentally explores a HeartMath intervention and faith following a traumatic experience.

Quick coherence technique facilitating commercial pilots’ psychophysiological resilience to the impact of COVID-19

This study investigates the effect of quick coherence technique (QCT) on commercial pilots’ resilience to the unprecedented impact of a pandemic. Eighteen commercial pilots voluntarily participated in a 2-day training course on QCT followed by 2 months of self-regulated QCT practicing during controlled rest in the flight deck and day-to day life. There are subjective and objective assessments to evaluate the effects of QCT on commercial pilots’ psychophysiological resilience. Results demonstrated that QCT training can significantly increase pilots’ psychophysiological resilience thereby improving their mental/physical health, cognitive functions, emotional stability and wellness on both subjective (PSS & AWSA) and objective measures (coherence scores). Moreover, pilots who continued practicing self-regulated QCT gained the maximum benefits. Current research has identified great potential to enhance pilots’ mental/physical health via QCT training. Operators can develop peer support programs for pilots to increase resilience and maintain mental and physical health using the QCT technique. Practitioner summary: QCT breathing has been proven to increase commercial pilots’ resilience by moderating psychophysiological coherence, strengthening mental/physical capacity and sustaining positive emotions to deal with the challenges both on the flight deck and in everyday life. HIGHLIGHTS Pilots have suffered from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic across many factors including social, economic, mental, physical, emotional, and operational issues Biofeedback training can increase commercial pilots’ resilience by moderating psychophysiological coherence, strengthening mental and physical capacity Self-regulated practicing QCT to form a habitual behaviour is required to sustain the maximum benefits either in the flight or day-to-day life QCT is an effective intervention for aviation authorities and airline operators to develop peer support programs to increase pilots’ fatigue resilience

A Forest Bathing Intervention in Adults with Intellectual Disabilities: A Feasibility Study Protocol.

Forest bathing practices benefit individuals’ physical and mental health. A growing number of published studies provide evidence of such effects in diverse populations and contexts. However, no literature has been found that evaluates the effects of forest bathing on people with intellectual disabilities. In this paper, we present a quasi-experimental pre–post protocol for assessing the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of a forest bathing intervention in a group of adults with intellectual disability. An 11-weekly session program will be applied in the forests of the Ollo Valley, Navarre (Spain). The preliminary efficacy outcomes will be blood pressure, psycho-physiological coherence parameters and quality of life. The feasibility of the intervention will be assessed through data on barriers and facilitators of the implementation process and indicators of environmental comfort (physiological equivalent temperature and thermic perception). This study offers an opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to benefit from a forest bathing intervention and explore its effects not only on their quality of life, but also on the improvement in their physiological and psychological state. This feasibility study is an essential step to explore crucial aspects for a future full-scale trial.

Evaluation of the Heart Rhythm Coherence Ratio During Sleep: A Pilot Study With Polysomnography.

The psychophysiological coherence model proposes that a heart rhythm pattern, known as heart rhythm coherence (HRC), is associated with dominant parasympathetic activity and the entrainment of respiratory function, blood pressure, and heart rhythms. Although the HRC pattern has primarily been assessed during wakefulness, changes in cardiac and autonomic activity that occur during sleep stages can also be associated with the HRC pattern. The objective of this study was to examine whether any differences in the HRC pattern could be detected among various sleep stages. Eighteen healthy young individuals participated in this study. Two consecutive polysomnographic (PSG) recordings were obtained from each participant, several segments of cardiac activity were obtained from the second PSG. The HRC pattern was quantitatively evaluated by calculating the HRC ratio (HRCR). The highest peaks in the coherence band (Coher-Peak), 0.1-Hz index, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and heart rate (HR) were evaluated. A Friedman test showed significant differences among sleep stages in the Coher-Peak, 0.1-Hz index, RSA, and HR; the Coher-Peak and RSA values were lower in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, while the 0.1-Hz and HR values were higher in REM sleep. Post hoc analyses identified significant differences between the N2 and REM sleep stages. Among the various sleep stages, HR and RSA measurements behaved independently of the HRC pattern, and the HRC pattern did not appear to be associated with the 0.1Hz frequency. Further studies are required to identify the characteristics of the HRC pattern during sleep.

Psychophysiological coherence training to moderate air traffic controllers' fatigue on rotating roster.

The nature of the current rotating roster, providing 24-h air traffic services over five irregular shifts, leads to accumulated fatigue which impairs air traffic controllers' cognitive function and task performance. It is imperative to develop an effective fatigue risk management system to improve aviation safety based upon scientific approaches. Two empirical studies were conducted to address this issue. Study 1 investigated the mixed effect of circadian rhythm disorders and resource depletion on controllers' accumulated fatigue. Then, study 2 proposed a potential biofeedback solution of quick coherence technique which can mitigate air traffic controllers' (ATCOs') fatigue while on controller working position and improve ATCOs' mental/physical health. The current two-studies demonstrated a scientific approach to fatigue analysis and fatigue risk mitigation in the air traffic services domain. This research offers insights into the fluctuation of ATCO fatigue levels and the influence of a numbers of factors related to circadian rhythm and resource depletion impact on fatigue levels on study 1; and provides psychophysiological coherence training to increase ATCOs' fatigue resilience to mitigate negative impacts of fatigue on study 2. Based on these two studies, the authors recommended that an extra short break for air traffic controllers to permit practicing the quick coherence breathing technique for 5 min at the sixth working hour could substantially recharge cognitive resources and increase fatigue resilience. Application: Present studies highlight an effective fatigue intervention based on objective biofeedback to moderate controllers' accumulated fatigue as a result of rotating shift work. Accordingly, air navigation services providers and regulators can develop fatigue risk management systems based on scientific approaches to improve aviation safety and air traffic controller's wellbeing.

Applying psychophysiological coherence training based on HRV-biofeedback to enhance pilots’ resilience and wellbeing

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic not only limited pilots’ proficiency in performing routine tasks, but also increased stress levels and operational risk due to new procedures in flight operations related to safety and health regulations. There is, therefore, an increasing need to improve pilots’ mental and physical health to maintain aviation safetyResearch question. (1) Does the practice of psychophysiological coherence using heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and the Quick Coherence Technique (QCT) improve pilots’ resilience? (2) What effects does psychophysiological coherence practice have on pilots’ resilience and wellbeing?Method. Eighteen commercial pilots’ perceived stress and wellness were evaluated subjectively by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Ardell Wellness Self-Assessment (AWSA). They were taught the QCT for facilitating psychophysiological coherence, and their HRV data reflecting automatic nervous system (ANS) activities were collected as they practiced QCT via Inner Balance HRV sensors.Results. The QCT training improved pilots’ AWSA scores (t = -3.55, p = .002) and decreased PSS scores (t = 6.37, p < .001). Pilots’ post-training HRV were improved with SDNNs higher than pre-training, t = -4.88, p < .001; normalized low frequency (LF) power increased (t = -10.91, p < .001) and low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratios increased (t = -3.92, p = .001). Additionally, pilots’ post-training respiration rates were lower than pre-training, t = -2,45, p = .025.Discussion. Based on the empirical data analysis, HRV-biofeedback QCT can improve psychophysiological coherence and thereby increase pilots’ resilience and wellbeing. Increased post-training SDNNs, normalized LF power, and LF/HF ratio indicate the improvement of ANS control and balance, and stress management capacity. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of HRV-biofeedback QCT training in improving psychophysiological coherence, which confers real-time and post-practice benefits of optimal energy utility and self-regulation in challenging situations on flight operations and everyday life.Conclusion. This research demonstrates significant benefits of a short session of HRV-biofeedback QCT on pilots’ resilience and cognitive process by improving psychophysiological coherence. HRV-biofeedback QCT training can be an effective intervention for aviation authorities and airline operators to develop peer support programs for pilots to increase psychological resilience and wellbeing. This may be particularly beneficial given the various challenges presented to pilots in their preparation for return to normal operations.

Effect of Quick Coherence Technique on Psychophysiological Coherence, Heart Rate, Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Feeling State in Young Adults in India

HeartMath technology is an innovative technique to improving emotional mental health. A small-scale study was conducted to investigate the effect of quick coherence technique on psychophysiological coherence, stress, anxiety, depression and feeling state in young adults in India. Present study is in line with the past research done by S.D. Edwards (2016) on ‘Influence of Heartmath Quick Coherence Technique on Psychophysiological Coherence and Feeling States’. Six postgraduate students who complained of stress, anxiety and depression were included in the present study. There were 4 female and 2 males between the age group of 22-28 years. They were screened for stress, anxiety and depression using DAS 21 scale and their physiological coherence score was recorded using emWave system. They were asked to rate their feeling states (anger, sadness, happiness and calmness) before and after each session. Six (twice a week) sessions were conducted using quick coherence technique. In the initial session they were taught quick coherence technique. They were given heart focused breathing exercise and affirmation as a home plan. After six sessions their physiological coherence score was recorded using emWave system. Then they were screened for stress, anxiety and depression using DAS 21 scale. There was a significant improvement in psychophysiological coherence, anxiety, stress and feeling state after quick coherence training. The present study supports the past research done by S.D. Edwards (2016) where the results showed significant changes in psychophysiological coherence, negative feeling states and positive feeling state after five sessions.

Wounded healer case report of HeartMath zone experience associated with sport injury

This heuristic phenomenological case study was motivated by reoccurrences of longstanding sports injury issues among athletes. It reports on HeartMath zone experiences of a wounded healer managing his own chronic sport injuries. Zone healing experiences were unexpectedly associated with significant increases in psychophysiological coherence as measured on HeartMath technology. In addition to the intrinsic motivational quality of the healing experiences, reflexivity provided further motivation to report the data for their original, illustrative, health promotion value. The healing experiences and their measurement are described and discussed, with special reference to the wounded healer, HeartMath and coherent zone phenomena. Keywords: Case study, sport injuries, wounded healer, HeartMath zone, heuristic phenomenology.

Health Psychological Case Study of High Intensity, Low Impact, Physical Training Program

This case study reports on the health psychological evaluation of an integrated, high intensity, lo impact, physical training program for a 31 year old, male accountancy teacher. High intensity components consisted of running, cycling and the Canadian Airforce 5BX program. Low impact components comprised walking and Chi-gung inspired Pilates. Squash and swimming were also occasional activities. The pre-test and post-test, process and outcome evaluative, research design included qualitative and quantitative components in the form of psychometric testing, diarizing of physical activity, experiential descriptions of the various components and program outcome evaluation. Quantitative findings indicated significant improvements in psychophysiological coherence, mood, resilience and general health. Qualitative experiential descriptions provided further evidence of health psychological growth.&amp;nbsp; Integrative findings emphasize the importance of physical training programs based on client individual preferences.&amp;nbsp; The client reported that he found the program to be enjoyable, flexible, invigorating and readily adaptable to suit the needs of various individuals who face time and space constraints in their daily lives.&amp;nbsp; With minimal innovation for greater complexity, control and/or challenges, such programs may readily yield enjoyable flow experiences.

Clinical sport psychological, HeartMath training intervention for twelve year old boy

This brief, case study reports on a clinical sport psychological skills training intervention using HeartMath techniques with a 12 year old boy. The pre-test and post-test, process and outcome evaluative, research design included qualitative and quantitative, integrated and mixed method techniques, in the form of psychometric testing and diarizing of qualitative experiential descriptions. Findings indicated significant improvements in psychophysiological coherence, sense of coherence, resilience, mood, psychological well-being and mental skills. Findings endorse theoretical principles and practical guidelines for implementing and evaluating clinical sport psychological and HeartMath interventions.

Psychophysiological Coherence in Community Dynamics – A Comparative Analysis between Meditation and Other Activities

(1) Background: Psychophysiological coherence has been widely studied as a bodily state associated with general well-being and cognitive clarity. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been shown to be a good biomarker to assess psychophysiological coherence. This paper presents the first general set of results concerning a study that is part of a team effort between a body of researchers in five countries led by the HeartMath Institute under the name, International Heart Rate Variability Synchronization Study (IHRVS). This study focuses on the effects that meditation has on both HRV and the Coherence Ratio. It is hypothesized that meditation improves coherence. (2) Methods: Our research study was conducted at The Embassy of Peace in Whitianga, New Zealand with 22 participants, whose cardiac activity was measured via a FIRSTBEAT wireless HRV recorder, for a period of 15 days, 23 hours per day, (plus?) with an hour break per day for individual care of the body. In order to have an initial qualitative impression of the data, we developed a cinematic movie, which allows us to visualize very clearly both individual and collective HRV dynamics at different times during various activities. (3) Results: We observed via the movie, a clear difference between meditation and other periods. We qualitatively demonstrate an improvement in coherence and we found, amongst other things, that one type of meditation, the Paradise Landing Meditation (PLM) conducted every day at 6:00 PM, shows significantly higher values for coherence. We compared quantitatively the PLM with other daily activities and show a significant improvement in coherence when in this meditative states. (4) Conclusions: We infer that meditative states might be beneficial to cognition and general well-being and propose that the heart together with the brain and the respiratory system are engaged in modulating cognitive clarity, something that we briefly explore and recommend for further investigation.

Ubuntu HeartMath programme efficacy for social coherence and work spirit: Preliminary evidence

This study reports preliminary evidence on the efficacy of an Ubuntu type HeartMath intervention for the purpose of facilitating social coherence and spirit at work. The study employed a pre-test and post-test, mixed methods design with 17 students and staff of an education unit (women = 10; range 24 to 58 years). Participants completed a brief Ubuntu HeartMath workshop focused on promoting their sense of social coherence and work spirit, with pre-test and post-test measures of psychophysiological coherence, social coherence and work spirit, as well as written experiential evaluative descriptions of their personal growth indicators from the workshop. Wilcoxon signed rank tests for changes in psychophysiological coherence, social coherence, and work spirit indicators were positive. This suggests that the Ubuntu Heartmath workshop had efficacy in enhancing quality of work life. Thematic analysis of the written, experiential, evaluative descriptions also suggested that participants derived benefit in their sense of work place coherence and spirit. An Ubuntu-oriented HeartMath intervention appears to hold promise for improving psychophysiological coherence, social coherence, and work spirit in an education service setting.

An empirical and experiential investigation into the contemplation of joy

The research was generally motivated by a dearth of studies on joy, and particularly inspired by a book of joy celebrating the inter-spiritual dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. Its aim was to investigate whether the direct contemplation of joy would be associated with improvements in psychophysiological coherence, spirituality and various positive emotions and feelings. Integrative quantitative and qualitative findings emerging from a small pilot study, including a convenience sample of six participants with a mean age of 42 years and age range of 25–69 years, supported the research hypothesis. Significant quantitative increases in psychophysiological coherence, spirituality and positive feelings were coherently and consistently supported by participants’ individual and collective experiences. Integrative discussion amplified the paradoxical theme of joy through suffering in human emotional and spiritual life.

Contemplative investigation into Christ consciousness with Heart Prayer and HeartMath practices

An exploratory pilot study with a small homogenous sample of Christian English speaking participants (four men and four women, with a mean age of 48 and age range from 27 to 70 years) provided support for an alternative research hypothesis that a Christ consciousness contemplation with Heart Prayer of HeartMath techniques was significantly associated with increasing psychophysiological coherence, sense of coherence, spirituality and health perceptions. Participants described feelings of a peaceful place in oneness and connection with Christ. Integrative findings point towards Christ consciousness as an ultimately non-dual process of sensing vibrational resonance radiating from the human heart. Implications for further research are discussed.

Mindfulness-Based Hypnosis: Blending Science, Beliefs, and Wisdoms to Catalyze Healing

We live in a global village, comprised of people with diverse cultural and religious orientations. How do we integrate these different beliefs and values into our clinical practice? Mindfulness-based psychotherapy (MBP), an evidence-based psychological intervention, provides a secular template for assimilating various cultural beliefs and wisdoms in therapies. MBP represents a cross-fertilization between Western psychological practice and Eastern meditative disciplines. Guided by MBP, this article describes how intention, mindfulness, acceptance, gratitude, and the “heart” can be combined with cognitive hypnotherapy to catalyze healing of emotional disorders—particularly depression. This integrated approach is referred to as mindfulness-based cognitive hypnotherapy (MBCH) as it assimilates cognitive hypnotherapy with mindfulness strategies. MBCH represents an attempt to broaden the comprehensiveness of hypnotherapy as an integrated form of psychotherapy. Additionally, based on new understanding of the heart as a complex information center, an innovative hypnotherapeutic strategy for generating psychophysiological coherence and psychological well-being is described.

Psychophysiological Coherence as a Function of Mental Imagery Practice

In this experimental study, we explored effects of mental imagery practice on psychophysiological coherence, measured as heart rhythm coherence. A total of 82 undergraduates participated in the study and were randomly assigned to mental imagery, thought monitoring, and control groups. The experiment took a period of 3 weeks, during which the first group regularly practiced two imagery exercises, and the second group practiced a thought monitoring exercise. Participants in all three groups visited a lab, twice a week, where their heart rhythm coherence was measured by a device that monitors heart rate variability. Results showed significant increases in heart rhythm coherence as a function of mental imagery practice. The effects of thought monitoring practice were much more limited. Methodological limitations of the study were discussed particularly in terms of the regulation of thought monitoring practice. Suggestions for future study include manipulating possible sources of variation in the effectiveness of imagery practice, and making connections between the cognitive study of imagery and its therapeutic function.

Coherence: A Novel Nonpharmacological Modality for Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients

This study examined the efficacy of teaching emotional self-regulation techniques supported by heart rhythm coherence training (emWave Personal Stress Reliever) as a means to quickly lower blood pressure (BP) in patients diagnosed with hypertension. Previous studies have demonstrated systemic reductions in BP in both high stress populations and patients diagnosed with hypertension using this approach, but to the best of our knowledge, an investigation of their ability to produce immediate reductions in BP had not been published in the medical literature.The study was a randomized controlled design with 62 hypertensive participants who were divided into three groups. Group 1 was taking hypertensive medication, was taught self-regulation technique, and used heart rate variability coherence (HRVC) training devices. Group 2 was not yet taking medication and was trained in the same intervention. Group 3 was taking hypertensive medication but did not receive the intervention and was instructed to relax between the BP assessments.An analysis of covariates was conducted to compare the effectiveness of three different interventions on reducing the participants' BP. The use of the self-regulation technique and the HRVC-monitoring device was associated with a significantly greater reduction in mean arterial pressure in the two groups who used the intervention as compared with the relaxation-plus-medication group. Additionally, the group not taking medication that used the intervention also had a significantly greater reduction in systolic BP than the relaxation- plus-medication group.These results suggest that self-regulation techniques that incorporate the intentional generation of positive emotions to facilitate a shift into the psychophysiological coherence state are an effective approach to lowering BP. This approach to reducing BP should be considered a simple and effective approach that can easily be taught to patients to quickly lower their BP in stressful situations. The technique should be especially useful when hypertensive patients are experiencing stressful emotions or reactions to stressors. It is possible that the BP reductions associated with the use of the technique leads to a change in the physiological set-point for homeostatic regulation of BP. Further studies should examine if large scale implementations of such heart-based coherence techniques could have a significant impact on reducing risk of mortality and morbidity in hypertensive patients.

Exploring the Effectiveness of a Computer-Based Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Program in Reducing Anxiety in College Students

Given the pervasiveness of stress and anxiety in our culture it is important to develop and implement interventions that can be easily utilized by large numbers of people that are readily available, inexpensive and have minimal side effects. Two studies explored the effectiveness of a computer-based heart rate variability biofeedback program on reducing anxiety and negative mood in college students. A pilot project (n = 9) of highly anxious students revealed sizable decreases in anxiety and negative mood following utilizing the program for 4 weeks. A second study (n = 35) employing an immediate versus delayed treatment design replicated the results, although the magnitude of the impact was not quite as strong. Despite observing decreases in anxiety, the expected changes in psychophysiological coherence were not observed.

Emotion Self-Regulation, Psychophysiological Coherence, and Test Anxiety: Results from an Experiment Using Electrophysiological Measures

This study investigated the effects of a novel, classroom-based emotion self-regulation program (TestEdge) on measures of test anxiety, socioemotional function, test performance, and heart rate variability (HRV) in high school students. The program teaches students how to self-generate a specific psychophysiological state--psychophysiological coherence--which has been shown to improve nervous system function, emotional stability, and cognitive performance. Implemented as part of a larger study investigating the population of tenth grade students in two California high schools (N = 980), the research reported here was conducted as a controlled pre- and post-intervention laboratory experiment, using electrophysiological measures, on a random stratified sample of students from the intervention and control schools (N = 136). The Stroop color-word conflict test was used as the experiment's stimulus to simulate the stress of taking a high-stakes test, while continuous HRV recordings were gathered. The post-intervention electrophysiological results showed a pattern of improvement across all HRV measures, indicating that students who received the intervention program had learned how to better manage their emotions and to self-activate the psychophysiological coherence state under stressful conditions. Moreover, students with high test anxiety exhibited increased HRV and heart rhythm coherence even during a resting baseline condition (without conscious use of the program's techniques), suggesting that they had internalized the benefits of the intervention. Consistent with these results, students exhibited reduced test anxiety and reduced negative affect after the intervention. Finally, there is suggestive evidence from a matched-pairs analysis that reduced test anxiety and increased psychophysiological coherence appear to be directly associated with improved test performance--a finding consistent with evidence from the larger study.

TYPES OF PRAYER, HEART RATE VARIABILITY, AND INNATE HEALING

Abstract.Spiritual practices such as prayer have been shown to improve health and quality of life for those facing chronic or terminal illness. The early Christian healing tradition distinguished between types of prayer and their role in healing, placing great emphasis on the healing power of more integrated relational forms of prayer such as prayers of gratitude and contemplative prayer. Because autonomic tone is impaired in most disease states, autonomic homeostasis may provide insight into the healing effects of prayer. I report on observations in five volunteers engaging in five types of prayer. Using heart rate variability as a measure of autonomic tone and adaptability, I review the potential correlation of type of prayer with autonomic rebalance as measured specifically by psychophysiological coherence ratios. The five types—supplication, devotion, intercession, gratefulness, and contemplative prayer—elicited varying degrees of improvements in heart rate variability and corresponding psychophysiological coherence. These observations suggest a correlation of innate healing to prayer type that is consistent with teachings from the Christian healing tradition and with modern research. Further research is warranted to verify these hypotheses.