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Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Security Forces

NCT07386951 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2026-02-06

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This exploratory study evaluates the effectiveness of a 12-session Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-BFB) protocol in reducing distress and burnout while promoting psychological well-being among Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) professionals. Exposed to high occupational stress from unpredictable risks, shift work, and limited resources, these individuals face elevated vulnerability to chronic stress outcomes. The intervention leverages real-time HRV feedback to enhance autonomic regulation, breathing techniques, and emotional self-regulation.

Conditions

  • Psychological Distress
  • Well-Being, Psychological
  • Burnout

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRV-BFB) Training

Participants receive a structured heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB) training protocol delivered over 4 weeks. The intervention uses a portable chest-worn ECG sensor (eSense Pulse) connected via Bluetooth to a mobile application that provides real-time visual feedback of heart rate variability. Each participant completes 12 individual sessions of 12 minutes each (one session every 2 days). Sessions take place in a quiet room and follow a standardized format: a brief preparation phase, followed by approximately 10 minutes of guided breathing at resonance frequency (around 6 breaths per minute) using a visual breathing guide. The application displays color-coded feedback indicating how closely the participant's physiological response matches the target HRV pattern, and participants are instructed to adjust their breathing and recall positive memories to maximize time in the desired state. The aim is to increase HRV, strengthen parasympathetic activation, and improve stress and

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
55 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-01-28
Primary Completion
2026-04-30
Completion
2026-08-01

Countries

  • Portugal

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07386951 on ClinicalTrials.gov