DefinePK

DefinePK hosts the largest index of Pakistani journals, research articles, news headlines, and videos. It also offers chapter-level book search.

ALIVE Biofeedback HRV training for Treating Insomnia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.


Article Information

Title: ALIVE Biofeedback HRV training for Treating Insomnia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study.

Authors: Yusra Saleem, Ujala Sajid, Shamoon Noushad, Sadaf Ahmed

Journal: International Journal of Endorsing Health Science Research

HEC Recognition History
Category From To
Y 2024-10-01 2025-12-31
Y 2023-07-01 2024-09-30
Y 2021-07-01 2022-06-30
Y 2020-07-01 2021-06-30

Publisher: Advance Educational Institute & Research Centre

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Language: English

Keywords: Alive BiofeedbackHeart Rate VariabilityInsomnia

Categories

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects a large portion of the population. While several treatments are available, such as medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy, some individuals may not respond well to these treatments. Biofeedback, a technique that provides individuals with real-time feedback on their physiological responses, has shown promise in treating insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ALIVE biofeedback HRV training in treating insomnia.
Methodology: This pilot study utilized a randomized controlled trial design to investigate the efficacy of ALIVE biofeedback intervention in individuals diagnosed with insomnia. A total of 60 participants with insomnia were randomly assigned to either the ALIVE biofeedback or control group. The ALIVE biofeedback group received a six week intervention involving relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation using the ALIVE Pioneer system for heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training. The control group received standard care for insomnia. Outcome measures included HRV parameters, blood pressure, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version (PSQI J), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).
Results: The ALIVE biofeedback group showed significant improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, including increased SDNN and RMSSD and high-frequency power (HF) after the 6-week intervention. The control group did not display significant changes in HRV. Additionally, the ALIVE biofeedback group significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure. Regarding sleep outcomes, the ALIVE biofeedback group reported increased sleep duration and decreased sleep disturbances, as indicated by the PSQI-J scores. Furthermore, participants in the ALIVE biofeedback group significantly improved their ISI scores. These findings suggest that the ALIVE biofeedback intervention can potentially improve HRV, blood pressure, sleep quality, and insomnia severity in individuals with insomnia.
Conclusion: It is concluded from the study results that the ALIVE biofeedback training is a non-invasive and effective treatment for insomnia.


Research Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of ALIVE biofeedback HRV training in treating insomnia.


Methodology

A pilot randomized controlled trial design was used. 60 participants diagnosed with insomnia were randomly assigned to either an ALIVE biofeedback group or a control group. The intervention group received a six-week program involving relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness meditation using the ALIVE Pioneer system for heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training. The control group received standard care. Outcome measures included HRV parameters, blood pressure, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Japanese version (PSQI-J), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Methodology Flowchart
                        graph TD
    A[Participant Recruitment & Eligibility Assessment] --> B[Randomization];
    B --> C[ALIVE Biofeedback Group 6-week Intervention];
    B --> D[Control Group Standard Care];
    C --> E[Outcome Measurement Post-intervention];
    D --> E;
    E --> F[Data Analysis];
    F --> G[Results & Conclusion];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that ALIVE Biofeedback HRV training is a promising non-invasive intervention for improving sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in individuals with insomnia. The improvements in HRV parameters, blood pressure, and self-reported sleep outcomes indicate potential benefits for physiological and psychological well-being.


Key Findings

The ALIVE biofeedback group showed significant improvements in HRV parameters (increased SDNN and RMSSD, and high-frequency power). Diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the ALIVE biofeedback group. Participants in the ALIVE biofeedback group reported increased sleep duration, decreased sleep disturbances (indicated by PSQI-J scores), and improved ISI scores. The control group did not show significant changes in HRV or sleep outcomes.


Conclusion

ALIVE biofeedback training is a non-invasive and effective treatment for insomnia, showing potential for improving sleep quality. Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings.


Fact Check

1. Sample Size: The study included a total of 60 participants. (Confirmed in "Results" section).
2. Intervention Duration: The ALIVE biofeedback intervention lasted for six weeks. (Confirmed in "Methodology" and "Results" sections).
3. HRV Parameter Improvement: The ALIVE biofeedback group showed a significant increase in SDNN (p=0.04). (Confirmed in "Results" section, Table 1).


Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...