Use of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback for Cancer Survivors

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Cancer

In brief

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B) is a complementary, non-pharmacologic therapy that is being tested to see if it can help cancer survivors reduce their symptoms of pain, stress, insomnia, fatigue, or depression. HRV-B is an interactive procedure in which participants relax and breathe regularly while watching the a computer screen. The computer screen provides feedback that helps people increase their heart rate variability.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03692624

Run by

Prisma Health-Upstate

People needed

34

Starts

2015-05-10

Expected to finish

2020-02-07

Last updated by the study team

2020-03-06

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer having completed radiation or chemotherapy
• 18 years of age or older
• English literate

You may not qualify if…

• patients receiving concurrent treatment for cancer except hormonal or biologic therapy
• patients with cardiovascular disorders that affect HRV parameters (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction within 12 months, unstable angina)
• patients receiving medications that affect cardiac rhythm (angiotensin converting enzyme, calcium channel, or beta-adrenergic inhibitors)
• patients with a pacemaker or defibrillator
• patients who have had a heart transplant or by-pass surgery within 1 year
• patients with any active seizure disorder or use of antiseizure or anticonvulsant medication prescribed specifically for seizure disorder
• patients with a pre-existing dementia prior to cancer diagnosis
• patients with a moderate (without good recovery) or severe head injury or stroke in last 6 months
• patients with evidence of active substance abuse or dependence
• patients with a history of any major psychiatric disorder
• patients with a history of brain metastases, primary brain cancer, or altered cognitive abilities
• patients with any use of long acting (extended release) opioid medications

Where it is running

• Greenville Health System Cancer Institute — Greenville, South Carolina, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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