Influence of HeartMath Training Programme on Physiological and Psychological Variables
L. Lucy H. Field, Stephen David Edwards, David J. Edwards, Sarah Elizabeth Dean
Global Journal of Health Science January 7, 2018 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v10n2p126 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods within-subjects pre-test post-test study Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 13 |
| Population | Convenience sample of adults aged 26-62 years (mean 41.46, SD 14.39) |
| Intervention | HeartMath training programme |
| Duration | Three-hour workshop plus 30 minutes of HeartMath training comprising 5 biofeedback sessions |
| Citations | 19 |
| Key points | Paired sample t-tests indicated significant differences on all outcome variables (heart rate variability, sense of coherence, mindfulness, and relaxation) with medium to large effect sizes. Participants also reported positive and informative experiences of the training. The authors contend the integrated findings support and extend previous studies on the value of HeartMath training. |
Abstract
This study investigated biofeedback using heart rate variability (HRV) and psychometric measures. An original, mixed, quantitative and qualitative, within subjects, pre-test and post-test design was employed to evaluate the influence of a HeartMath training programme on measures of HRV, sense of coherence, mindfulness and relaxation in a convenience sample of 13 participants with age range 26-62 (M = 41.46, SD = 14.39) years. Participants were required to attend a three-hour workshop and complete 30 minutes of HeartMath training that included 5 different biofeedback sessions. Paired sample t-tests indicated significant differences on all outcome variables with medium to large effect sizes. Qualitative findings revealed positive and informative experiences of taking part in the research. Integrated findings supported and extended previous studies attesting to the value of HeartMath training.