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Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical Practice for Patients with Anxiety Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study

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Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a portable Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) biofeedback device as an adjunct to CBT in persons with anxiety disorders and other disorders associated with autonomic dysfunction attending outpatient treatment. Participants were 24 individuals attending outpatient cognitive behavioral treatment for a range of anxiety disorders. Participants were assessed over a 3 week period. Outcomes included measures of anxiety (STAI-Y), sleep disturbances (PSQI), anger (STAEI), and subjective questions about the effectiveness of the device as a treatment adjunct. Significant reductions were found for anxiety and anger and for certain sleep variables (e.g. sleep latency). There was a significant dos–effect in that those who were more compliant had significantly greater reductions in most domains including sleep, anger and trait anxiety. Overall, participants found the device more helpful than other relaxation techniques such as mediation, yoga and unassisted breathing techniques but less helpful than exercise. The most frequently endorsed side effects were dizziness (15%) and sleepiness (55%). These preliminary results suggest that portable RSA biofeedback appears to be a promising treatment adjunct for disorders of autonomic arousal and is easily integrated into treatment. Results support the need for further investigation with more rigorous experimental designs.

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Acknowledgements

The study was supported by a grant from the Helicor, Inc., the makers of the Stress Eraser portable biofeedback device used in the current study. Investigators have no other financial conflicts of interest with the Sponsor. The author would like to acknowledge Doug Seiden, Miguel Humara, Jamie Albin, and Frederick Muench for their involvement with the study and preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Behavioral Associates, 114 East 90th Street, New York, NY, 10128, USA

    Robert Reiner

  2. New York University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

    Robert Reiner

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  1. Robert Reiner
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Correspondence to Robert Reiner.

Additional information

This study was conducted at the Behavioral Associates and The CBT Institute in New York, NY from 6/06 through 8/06.

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Reiner, R. Integrating a Portable Biofeedback Device into Clinical Practice for Patients with Anxiety Disorders: Results of a Pilot Study. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 33, 55–61 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-007-9046-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-007-9046-6

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