HRV Biofeedback Technology: Training Students to Reverse Test Anxiety and Reduce Stress by Promoting Emotional Self-Regulation through Heart Coherence Education.
Tracks
Hands on Demo
| Wednesday, May 29, 2019 |
| 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM |
| HUM 1054 |
Speaker
Dr. David Parisian
Visiting Assistant Professor
SUNY Oswego
HRV Biofeedback Technology: Training Students to Reverse Test Anxiety and Reduce Stress by Promoting Emotional Self-Regulation through Heart Coherence Education.
1:15 PM - 2:30 PMFull Abstract
This workshop will present the results of using HRV Biofeedback Technology with students in a Technology for Educators course in the Fall ‘18 and Spring ‘19 Semesters. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is used as a window into the function of the Autonomic Nervous System. Inner Balance and emWave sensors were used to train students to breathe at a slow, rhythmic, six-breaths-a-minute rate. Breathing six breaths engages the vagus nerve of the parasympathetic system and starts the heart beating in a more coherent rhythm. Training in Heart Coherence is part of a Self-Care module being developed for pre-service teacher training. Learning the role their emotions play in their physiology and how their physiology changes when they shift their emotional responses allows students to be better prepared for the challenges of college life.
The rationale for this project resides in the fact that today’s college students are experiencing increased stress and challenges as they navigate their college life. Balancing work, academics, as well as their social lives, can take a toll on their mental health. Present strategies for coping with stress are largely centered about activities which are external to the student, those being diet, exercise, sleep and talking with someone. As counseling centers are seeing increased numbers of students with mental health issues, the HRV Biofeedback is one of the first strategies that brings an internal locus of control for students to use to reduce stress.
The self-care module focuses on in-the-moment self-regulation skills. Skill acquisition is facilitated with heart rate variability coherence feedback technology. Through the training, participants will learn about heart-brain communication and the role emotions play in modulating what we attend to and their role in affecting our behaviors. The module promotes emotional and behavioral self-regulation as the focal point. As a result, studies conducted with over 11,500 individuals have shown improvement in mental and emotional well-being in just 6-9 weeks using this type of training and technology:
24% improvement in the ability to focus
38% improvement in calmness
48% drop in fatigue
30% improvement in sleep
46% drop in anxiety
50% drop in depression
Preliminary survey results from FL18 CSC103 class sections had 95% of the students reporting out that this topic was the most valuable information presented in the course.
The rationale for this project resides in the fact that today’s college students are experiencing increased stress and challenges as they navigate their college life. Balancing work, academics, as well as their social lives, can take a toll on their mental health. Present strategies for coping with stress are largely centered about activities which are external to the student, those being diet, exercise, sleep and talking with someone. As counseling centers are seeing increased numbers of students with mental health issues, the HRV Biofeedback is one of the first strategies that brings an internal locus of control for students to use to reduce stress.
The self-care module focuses on in-the-moment self-regulation skills. Skill acquisition is facilitated with heart rate variability coherence feedback technology. Through the training, participants will learn about heart-brain communication and the role emotions play in modulating what we attend to and their role in affecting our behaviors. The module promotes emotional and behavioral self-regulation as the focal point. As a result, studies conducted with over 11,500 individuals have shown improvement in mental and emotional well-being in just 6-9 weeks using this type of training and technology:
24% improvement in the ability to focus
38% improvement in calmness
48% drop in fatigue
30% improvement in sleep
46% drop in anxiety
50% drop in depression
Preliminary survey results from FL18 CSC103 class sections had 95% of the students reporting out that this topic was the most valuable information presented in the course.
