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Heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with functional dizziness, 2025, Simon et al

Discussion in 'Other psychosomatic news and research' started by Andy, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:32 AM.

  1. Andy

    Andy Retired committee member

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    Abstract

    Background
    Functional dizziness is one of the most common causes of chronic dizziness. Associated psychiatric diseases such as depression and anxiety lead to significant impairment, possibly due to autonomic nervous system imbalance. We investigated whether heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback can modulate autonomic function in patients with functional dizziness.

    Methods
    We performed a randomized controlled study in 24 patients diagnosed functional dizziness for the first time. Patients received six 20 min sessions of HRV biofeedback or no intervention. We assessed HRV (time and frequency domains), sympathetic vasomotor function, sympathetic skin response and psychometric assessments at baseline, immediately post-intervention (or control period) and another 3 and 6 weeks later.

    Results
    Patients in the HRV biofeedback group showed improved cardiac autonomic function with elevated HRV time-dependent parameters immediately post-intervention [Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD): 71.2 ms ± 38 ms vs. 38.2 ms ± 18.5 ms, p = 0.014; Standard Deviation of all NN Intervals (SDNN): 78.3 ms ± 35.9 ms vs. 48.1 ms ± 20.5 ms, p = 0.001], increased HRV frequency-dependent parameter [Low Frequency (LF): p = 0.001], as well as reduced depressiveness (BDI-II: p = 0.0236). None of these parameters were changed in control patients (p = ns). Dizziness-associated symptoms and sympathetic function of vasculature and sweat glands were unaltered in both study arms.

    Conclusion
    In a randomized controlled pilot study, HRV biofeedback led to improved autonomic cardiac function and alleviated symptoms of depression in patients with functional dizziness, most likely mediated by a predominantly parasympathetic effect.

    Open access
     
    Andy, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:32 AM
    #1
  2. Trish

    Trish Moderator Staff Member

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    So they did a test of a treatment for dizziness and it made no difference to the dizziness. So a fail then.

    But instead they focus the conclusion on other things that did show some between group differences, and don't mention dizziness.
     
    Trish, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:41 AM
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    Sean, alktipping, SNT Gatchaman and 5 others like this.
  3. Utsikt

    Utsikt Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    [​IMG]
     
    Utsikt, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:52 AM
    #3
    Sean and Eleanor like this.
  4. Utsikt

    Utsikt Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    Yes. I have not been able to find the protocol to check if there was any outcome switching.
     
    Utsikt, Mar 13, 2025 at 9:53 AM
    #4
    Sean and alktipping like this.
  5. Trish

    Trish Moderator Staff Member

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    From those graphs, it looks like the treatment group had a significant change at 14 days that was gone by the later days. So a transient change in HRV that wore off fast.

    I wonder if something about the hope and trying to be well rested at the start of a new treatment affects HRV, and wears off as they reailse it's making no difference to their dizziness.
     
    Trish, Mar 13, 2025 at 10:08 AM
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  6. Utsikt

    Utsikt Senior Member (Voting Rights)

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    HRV can be affected by so many things, so the changes might be due to the intervention.

    But that also means that changes to HRV can be completely insignificant for you condition. As observed here.
     
    Utsikt, Mar 13, 2025 at 10:21 AM
    #6
    Sean, alktipping, SNT Gatchaman and 1 other person like this.

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