Several Clinical Intervention Specialists will begin using a computer based biofeedback program to support students making progress on social emotional goals. Biofeedback is a well-researched intervention to increase an individual’s awareness and control over emotional and physical states by monitoring and displaying automatic or involuntary bodily functions. The software our clinicians will be using is called HeartMath and is based on “heart rate variability.” Heart rate variability refers to the space between each heartbeat. When individuals are in a fight or flight state, the space between each heartbeat is very similar in length, which is described as low heart rate variability. Low heart rate variability is linked to the presence of anxiety disorders and increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. When individuals are in a relaxed state, the spaces between each heart beat appear to have more variability, or high heart rate variability (HRV).
The goal of the program is to train individuals to achieve higher states of HRV. By using a small and highly sensitive ear sensor, the program displays the heart rate (beats per minute) and HRV of an individual on the computer screen. With the visual cues from the computer and coaching from the clinician, individuals can practice “down regulating” their internal functions and experience more relaxed states of being, which the program refers to as “coherence.” The program offers several interfaces including visual games in which the higher HRV achieved, the faster the graphics appear or move across the screen. It also provides basic coaching and instruction on deep breathing techniques to increase HRV.
Here is a research article which speaks to the link between anxiety disorders and a low HRV: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00080/full
And a link to the HeartMath website for more information:
https://www.heartmath.com/
The goal of the program is to train individuals to achieve higher states of HRV. By using a small and highly sensitive ear sensor, the program displays the heart rate (beats per minute) and HRV of an individual on the computer screen. With the visual cues from the computer and coaching from the clinician, individuals can practice “down regulating” their internal functions and experience more relaxed states of being, which the program refers to as “coherence.” The program offers several interfaces including visual games in which the higher HRV achieved, the faster the graphics appear or move across the screen. It also provides basic coaching and instruction on deep breathing techniques to increase HRV.
Here is a research article which speaks to the link between anxiety disorders and a low HRV: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00080/full
And a link to the HeartMath website for more information:
https://www.heartmath.com/
Blog Post Written by:
Rachel Murray, Clinical Supervisor
Rachel Murray, Clinical Supervisor
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