HRV Biofeedback
HRV Biofeedback: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis
Grade A-Systematic review and meta-analysis2020
What did this study find?
This 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis pooled 58 randomized controlled studies of heart rate variability biofeedback. Across those trials the intervention produced a significant reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety. Heart rate variability biofeedback is a behavioral training method rather than electromagnetic therapy, so these results do not transfer to PEMF devices.
What are the details of this record?
- Full citation
- HRV Biofeedback: Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2020. PMID: 32385728.
- Journal
- Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback
- Study design
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Sample size and population
- 58 randomized controlled studies
- Evidence grade
- Grade A- on the BioReg grading scale
- Reported findings
- Screened 1,868 papers. Small-to-moderate significant effect across psychological, physiological and performance outcomes. Larger effects for anxiety, depression, anger. Authors note efficacy must still be established per indication.
- PubMed
- PMID 32385728
- 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.