Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-B) uses breathing techniques and a chest strap to provide real-time HRV monitoring. Credit: Wikimedia commons, reprinted under CC BY-SA 3.0 license. EliteHRV screenshot from Wikimedia Commons, reprinted under CC BY-SA 4.0 license. Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice (2024). DOI: 10.1177/27536351241227261
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Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-B) uses breathing techniques and a chest strap to provide real-time HRV monitoring. Credit: Wikimedia commons, reprinted under CC BY-SA 3.0 license. EliteHRV screenshot from Wikimedia Commons, reprinted under CC BY-SA 4.0 license. Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice (2024). DOI: 10.1177/27536351241227261
A new study has found that performing simple breathing exercises twice a day while using a mobile phone app can alleviate long-term symptoms of coronavirus infection.
A study from the University of Leeds found that breathing in through the nose for 4 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds, repeated for 10 minutes, significantly improved symptoms. Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice.
Participants used a free heart rate variability app on their mobile phones. This provided a breathing guide that allowed me to track the effectiveness of the technique. They used a chest strap heart rate monitor to monitor the effectiveness of the breathing exercises while completing them. This data was used to analyze their progress, combined with heart rate data from the smartwatches they wore during the study period.
After four weeks of intervention, participants reported reduced symptoms, improved sleep quality, and improved physical function.
The study was led by Dr Manoj Sivan, Associate Professor and Consultant in Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Leeds Medical School and Research Director for the Long Term Coronavirus Service at Leeds Community Healthcare Trust.
He said: “Prolonged COVID-19 infection can be extremely debilitating, with many of the millions of patients around the world having significant difficulties in employment, social and caregiving roles, and participation in society. “We’re going to experience some turmoil.”
“Developing new treatments to help these patients is critical. Our research suggests that resonant breathing is a simple and effective technique that can significantly improve symptoms. . Little medical intervention is required and the technology is affordable. The feedback we received from patients was overwhelmingly positive. “
Participants aimed to increase heart rate variability with a phone app while performing breathing exercises. Heart rate variability is the variation in time between each heartbeat. High heart rate variability usually means that the body is able to adapt to different changes and cope better with stress. Such conditions lead to better regulation of automatic body processes such as blood pressure and breathing.
High heart rate variability is thought to reflect a state of rest and recovery, while low heart rate variability is associated with a “fight-or-flight” state and is often seen in people with anxiety, pain, and fatigue. You can
Tracking HRV in parallel with breathing techniques is known as heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B). Previous studies of HRV-B for other chronic conditions such as asthma, depression, fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic stress have found that the optimal breathing frequency to improve symptoms is an average of 5.5 breaths per minute, known as resonant breathing. It has been shown to be ~6 breaths.
HRV-B restores autonomic balance through activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, stabilizing heart rate and blood pressure.
The study is the first to test for HRV-B in long-term COVID-19 infections, and is the first to test for HRV-B in long-term COVID-19 infections, which was developed by the same research team and is currently being used across NHS England. Several scores were used to monitor participants’ symptoms, including the Rehabilitation Scale (C19YRS). .
The C19YRS results showed, on average:
- Symptom severity decreased by 6 out of 30 points
- Functional impairment is deducted by 2 points out of 15.
- Global health increased by 1 out of 10 points
The EQ-5D-5L VAS (quality of life scale) also improved by 10 points, and the autonomic symptom score also improved. Smart watch data showed an improvement in patients’ overall heart rate variability recorded throughout the day.
Patients also provided feedback on the effect of the technique on their symptoms at the end of the study. Patients said they intended to continue exercising and that the intervention helped increase their sleep, stress levels, and energy to perform daily activities.
Long-term infection with the new coronavirus causes autonomic nervous system dysfunction known as dysautonomia. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, pain, and brain fog.
Dr Joanna Corrado, Specialist Trainee and Clinical Research Fellow at Leeds Medical School, said: ‘Our study provides further evidence of long-term Covid-19 infection and the presence of autonomic dysfunction in this condition. “It also shows the feasibility of potentially simple symptoms.” Interventions may help manage it. ”
Further research is needed to test this technology on a large scale and on control groups.
For more information:
Joanna Corrado et al, Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Long-Term COVID-19 Autonomic Dysfunction (HEARTLOC): Feasibility Study Results; Advances in Rehabilitation Science and Practice (2024). DOI: 10.1177/27536351241227261