Lehrer and Gevirtz explain HRV biofeedback as baroreflex training at about 0.1 Hz, not as a magic calm button. Still the clearest mechanism paper behind the breathing-plus-HRV gadget category.
Research
Moderate evidence
Heart-rate variability biofeedback mechanisms (Lehrer 2014)
Why resonance-frequency breathing can move HRV.
Details
- Authors
- Lehrer PM, Gevirtz R
- Publication
- Frontiers in Psychology
- Published
- 2014
- Abstract
- The authors review how breathing at resonance frequency produces large heart-rate oscillations, engages the baroreflex, and may influence vagal afferent pathways involved in emotion and autonomic regulation.
- Full text
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00756
- Key findings
- HRV biofeedback likely works via baroreflex homeostasis and related closed-loop cardiovascular resonances rather than a single neurotransmitter story.
- Methodology
- Narrative review of experimental HRV biofeedback and baroreflex literature.
Editorial rating ★ 4.4
Understand the reflex before you buy another HRV toy.
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