Heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with functional dizziness

Background

Functional dizziness is a common issue that often comes with other mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These conditions can make it hard for patients to manage their dizziness, possibly due to imbalances in the autonomic nervous system. Our study looked at whether heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback could help improve this condition.

Methods

We conducted a study with 24 patients experiencing functional dizziness for the first time. They were divided into two groups: one received six sessions of HRV biofeedback, while the other did not receive any intervention. We measured their heart rate variability and other health indicators before the sessions, right after, and again at 3 and 6 weeks later.

Results

Patients who participated in HRV biofeedback showed significant improvements:

Higher heart rate variability parameters immediately after the intervention.
Reduced symptoms of depression.

In contrast, the control group did not show any changes in these measurements.

Conclusion

This study indicates that HRV biofeedback can enhance heart function and reduce feelings of depression in patients with functional dizziness. This effect is likely due to increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Opportunities for Clinics and Patients

Based on our findings, clinics can:

Set clear goals for using HRV biofeedback in managing functional dizziness.
Identify specific outcomes to measure, such as heart rate variability and depression levels.
Implement HRV biofeedback programs as pilot projects and track their effectiveness.