Comparing Effectiveness of HRV-Biofeedback and Mindfulness for Workplace Stress Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) and heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-Bfb) in reducing work-related stress against a wait-list control group.
Results Summary
The study found no statistically significant differences between MBI and HRV-Bfb, and neither intervention group differed from the wait-list control. However, participants with higher baseline stress levels might benefit more from mindfulness and biofeedback interventions, with MBI showing slightly stronger stress reduction effects based on effect sizes.
Population
69 healthy adults employed in the same organization.
Effective Dosage
Daily training for 6 weeks (specific duration per session not mentioned).
Duration
6 weeks of intervention, with follow-up 12 weeks later.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-Bfb) | decrease | stress | - | - | have been empirically shown to reduce | #1 |
mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) | decrease | stress | - | - | have been empirically shown to reduce | #2 |
HRV-Bfb | no change | - | 69 healthy adults employed in the same organization | - | did not show any statistically significant differences | #3 |
MBI | no change | - | 69 healthy adults employed in the same organization | - | did not show any statistically significant differences | #4 |
HRV-Bfb | no change | - | 69 healthy adults employed in the same organization | - | did not differ from | #5 |
MBI | no change | - | 69 healthy adults employed in the same organization | - | did not differ from | #6 |
- | decrease | stress | all groups, including the WLC | mostly small to medium effect sizes | an overall reduction in | #7 |
mindfulness and biofeedback-based stress reduction interventions | neutral | - | participants with higher baseline stress levels | - | might benefit more from | #8 |
MBI | decrease | stress reduction | - | as suggested by the effect sizes | might have a slightly stronger effect on | #9 |
Psychophysiological disorders due to work-related stress continue to be highly costly for health systems and approaches for cost-effective and easily accessible interventions are much needed. Both heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-Bfb) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have been empirically shown to reduce stress. This study compares these two interventions in the work context to a wait-list-control-group (WLC). In this three-armed randomized controlled trial (RCT), 69 healthy adults employed in the same organization were randomized to participate in HRV-Bfb, MBI or the WLC. Participants were assessed for psychophysiological parameters of stress (stress perception, coping, HRV parameters and cortisol) and stress related symptoms (depressive symptoms, psychological wellbeing, mindfulness and self-compassion). Participants trained using either HRV-Bfb or MBI for 6 weeks on a daily basis. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after the intervention and at follow-up 12 weeks later. Results did not show any statistically significant differences between HRV-Bfb and MBI groups, and neither of the intervention groups (IGs) differed from the WLC. Findings suggest an overall reduction in stress for all groups, including the WLC, with mostly small to medium effect sizes. However, it is important to note that participants with higher baseline stress levels might benefit more from mindfulness and biofeedback-based stress reduction interventions. The results have to be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small sample size. MBI might have a slightly stronger effect on stress reduction in comparison to HRV-Bfb, as suggested by the effect sizes. This study highlights issues and challenges of the implementation of such interventions in corporate health management.