Heart rate variability (HRV) changes and cortical volume changes in a randomized trial of five weeks of daily HRV biofeedback in younger and older adults

Previous studies indicate that the structure and function of medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are associated with heart rate variability (HRV). Typically, this association is assumed to reflect the PFC's role in controlling HRV and emotion regulation, with b...

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Published in:International journal of psychophysiology 2022-11, Vol.181, p.50-63
Main Authors: Yoo, Hyun Joo, Nashiro, Kaoru, Min, Jungwon, Cho, Christine, Bachman, Shelby L, Nasseri, Padideh, Porat, Shai, Dutt, Shubir, Grigoryan, Vardui, Choi, Paul, Thayer, Julian F, Lehrer, Paul M, Chang, Catie, Mather, Mara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Biofeedback, Psychology
Emotions
Heart Rate - physiology
Humans
Prefrontal Cortex
Rest - physiology
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Summary:Previous studies indicate that the structure and function of medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) are associated with heart rate variability (HRV). Typically, this association is assumed to reflect the PFC's role in controlling HRV and emotion regulation, with better prefrontal structural integrity supporting greater HRV and better emotion regulation. However, as a control system, the PFC must monitor and respond to heart rate oscillatory activity. Thus, engaging in regulatory feedback during heart rate oscillatory activity may over time help shape PFC structure, as relevant circuits and connections are modified. In the current study with younger and older adults, we tested whether 5 weeks of daily sessions of biofeedback to increase heart rate oscillations (Osc+ condition) vs. to decrease heart rate oscillations (Osc- condition) affected cortical volume in left OFC and right OFC, two regions particularly associated with HRV in prior studies. The left OFC showed significant differences in volume change across conditions, with Osc+ increasing volume relative to Osc-. The volume changes in left OFC were significantly correlated with changes in mood disturbance. In addition, resting low frequency HRV increased more in the Osc+ than in the Osc- condition. These findings indicate that daily biofeedback sessions regulating heart rate oscillatory activity can shape both resting HRV and the brain circuits that help control HRV and regulate emotion.
ISSN:0167-8760
1872-7697
1872-7697
DOI:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.08.006