HRV Biofeedback and Executive Function: Systematic Review

Grade BSystematic review2022

What did this study find?

This 2022 systematic review covered sixteen studies and 777 participants using heart rate variability biofeedback. Fifty-six percent reported improvement in at least one executive-function domain, with attention benefiting most often. Just over half reporting any improvement is a modest signal, and the included studies varied in design and quality.

What are the details of this record?

Full citation: HRV Biofeedback and Executive Function: Systematic Review. J Cogn Enhanc. 2022. PMID: 35299845.
Journal: J Cogn Enhanc
Study design: Systematic review
Sample size and population: 777 participants across 16 studies
Evidence grade: Grade B on the BioReg grading scale
Reported findings: 56% reported improvement in at least one executive-function domain; attention most frequently benefited.
DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00218-3
PubMed: PMID 35299845
Related categories: HRV Biofeedback (category grade B+)

A positive PEMF study is not evidence for a specific device unless the signal parameters studied, frequency, intensity, waveform, and exposure duration, are reasonably comparable to what that device produces. Where this record does not list those parameters, the source report did not publish them. See the grading methodology. Library last reviewed 2026-08-27.

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