HRV biofeedback has been shown in a number of studies to be an effective form of support for cancer patients and has a positive impact on psychological and physiological symptoms in those affected. However, as the evidence base on this topic is highly heterogeneous, Spada et al. have provided a comprehensive overview of the subject in their review.\u00a0This paper conducts a scoping review and examines the use of HRV biofeedback to modulate autonomic balance, treat cancer symptoms and improve quality of life in cancer patients.<\/p>\n
It has been shown that HRV biofeedback increases HRV coherence in cancer patients, which is an indicator of a more efficient autonomic nervous system. In some studies, this led to an improvement in general health, sleep quality, and symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, some of the studies reviewed showed a reduction in pain. These results also appeared to be independent of the type of cancer.<\/p>\n
The findings gathered in the recent scoping review indicated that HRV BFB could help to increase HRV coherence and values, thereby improving both physiological symptoms (e.g. autonomic balance, general state of health and sleep quality) as well as psychological symptoms (e.g. fatigue, depression, anxiety) and pain in cancer patients.<\/p>\n
Specifically, the results showed an improvement in autonomic balance \u2013 that is, increased HRV and\/or HRV coherence \u2013 associated with physiological health and well-being. Furthermore, sleep quality and quantity appear to benefit from HRV-BFB training. Finally, selected studies showed promising results regarding reported levels of fatigue, depression and anxiety following treatment, compared with the patient\u2019s condition prior to treatment.<\/p>\n
No distinctions were made between different diagnoses or types of cancer, as further studies are needed to investigate this issue. In line with the current findings, doctors might consider incorporating HRV BFB into the care pathway for cancer patients, either as a home-based intervention or as hospital-based training. Overall, this type of technique could offer a promising way of better managing not only cancer-related physical conditions but also psychological stress, thereby improving health-related quality of life throughout the cancer journey.<\/p>\n