Artikel
Biofeedback of Heart Rate Variability Reduces Food Cravings in High Food Cravers
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Veröffentlicht: | 8. Februar 2012 |
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Gliederung
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Background: Biofeedback of heart rate variability (HRV) has been found to increase HRV while decreasing psychopathological symptoms in patients with mental disorders related to low HRV [1]. In addition, individuals with strong substance or chocolate cravings have been found to have lower HRV compared to individuals without such cravings [2]. The current study aimed at decreasing food cravings using HRV-biofeedback in subjects that experience such cravings frequently and intensely.
Material/Methods: Participants (N = 56) were selected from the local community using online screening. One group of participants with strong food cravings (craving-intervention; n = 14) performed 12 sessions of HRV-biofeedback while another group (craving-control; n = 14) and a group with low food craving (non-craving control; n = 28) received no intervention.
Results: Subjective food cravings related to a lack of control over eating did not change between online screening and the first measurement. However, they decreased from pre- to post measurement in the craving-intervention group only, and remained constant in the control groups. Moreover, only the craving-intervention group showed a decrease in eating and weight concerns. From pre- to post measurement, HRV decreased in the craving-control group and did not change in the craving-intervention or the non-craving control group.
Discussion: Although HRV-biofeedback was successful in reducing food cravings, this change was not accompanied by an increase in HRV. This study provides preliminary evidence that HRV-biofeedback could be beneficial for attenuating dysfunctional eating behavior. However, the specific mechanisms have to be further explored.
References
- 1.
- Wheat AL, Larkin KT. Biofeedback of heart rate variability and related physiology: A critical review. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2010;35(3):229-42.
- 2.
- Rodríguez-Ruiz S, Ruiz-Padial E, Vera N, Fernández C, Anllo-Vento L, Vila J. Effect of heart rate variability on defensive reaction and eating disorder symptomatology in chocolate cravers. J Psychophysiol. 2009;23(3):95-103.