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Comparing Effectiveness of HRV-Biofeedback and Mindfulness for Workplace Stress Reduction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback
December 1, 2020
Amelie Edith Brinkmann et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (9)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultBiofeedback, PsychologyFemaleHeart RateHumansMaleMeditationMindfulnessOccupational HealthOccupational StressSurveys and Questionnaires
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy60/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations29
Citations/Year5.8
Relative Citation Ratio3.13
NIH Percentile85.9%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.40
Normalized Score0.59
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