Heart Rate Variability Podcast

In this week’s episode, host Matt Bennett explores the expanding frontier of heart rate variability as a bridge between subjective stress, neural adaptability, physiological arousal, and early cognitive decline detection. Rather than treating HRV as a static “stress number,” this episode highlights its role as a dynamic biomarker of regulatory flexibility across psychological, neurological, and cognitive domains. From perceived stress in healthy adults to social brain plasticity, from acute cold exposure to wearable-driven dementia detection, this episode emphasizes HRV as a real-time window into autonomic adaptability and system resilience. HRV is increasingly understood as a measure of regulatory range — the nervous system’s capacity to flex, adapt, and recalibrate. Across the studies reviewed this week, HRV emerges not merely as a marker of stress, but as a functional reflection of how the brain and body coordinate in response to internal and external demands. Studies Reviewed in This Episode Perceived Stress and Autonomic Regulation in Healthy Adults Study: The Relationship Between Perceived Stress Scale and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Adults Authors: Alper Perçin, Ramazan Cihad Yılmaz, Dilan Demirtaş Karaoba, and Büsra Candiri Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/401048214_The_Relationship_Between_Perceived_Stress_Scale_and_Heart_Rate_Variability_in_Healthy_Adults Key Insight: Higher perceived stress scores were significantly associated with lower vagally mediated HRV indices, including RMSSD and high-frequency power. Even in healthy adults without psychiatric diagnoses, subjective stress perception meaningfully aligned with reduced parasympathetic flexibility. Clinical Relevance: HRV and psychological stress scales measure overlapping but distinct domains. When both subjective stress and HRV suppression are present, vulnerability may increase. Divergence between the two may provide additional diagnostic insight into resilience or under-recognized physiological load. Neural Mechanisms of Social Homeostasis and Dynamic Range Plasticity Study: Neural Mechanisms of Social Homeostasis: Dynamic Range Plasticity Authors: Jianna Cressy, Caroline Jia, Jonathan Salk, and Kay M. Tye Link: https://www.jneurosci.org/content/46/8/e0224252025 Key Insight: The study demonstrates that neural systems responsible for social regulation exhibit dynamic plasticity, adjusting their functional range in response to environmental demands. This adaptive range mirrors principles found in neurovisceral integration models, where flexibility in central networks is reflected in peripheral autonomic flexibility. Clinical Relevance: HRV may serve as a peripheral marker of central regulatory capacity. Interventions that enhance autonomic flexibility — including biofeedback and resonance breathing — may indirectly support neural adaptability involved in emotional and social regulation. Acute Cold Exposure and Cognitive Performance Study: The Immediate Effect of Cold Spinal Spray and Cold Spinal Bath on Cognition Among Young Adults: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial Authors: Avishee Sinha and Sujatha KJ Link: 

In this episode, Matt Bennett interviews Dr. Inna Khazan about how people can use different options to maximize their biofeedback practice. 

In this week’s episode, host Matt Bennett moves beyond environmental stressors to explore the biological architecture that governs our autonomic responses. From the inflammatory milieu of coronary arteries to the 24-hour coordination of the circadian axis, we analyze how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) serves as a blueprint for physiological integrity and a non-invasive window into the developing brain. Thematic Overview: HRV as a Blueprint While HRV is often used as a reactive "stress score," the latest research indicates it functions as a predictor of structural stability. This episode highlights HRV as a transdiagnostic marker of autonomic flexibility, shifting the clinical focus from mere observation to the identification of causal pathways of chronic disease and neurodevelopmental risk. Studies Reviewed in This Episode 1. Coronary Plaque Vulnerability and AI-Driven Imaging Study: Heart rate variability, unstable coronary plaques, and cardiovascular outcomes Authors: Yue Yu, Weifeng Guo, Ziwei Shen, Han Chen, Changyi Zhou, Cheng Yan, Yanli Song, Chenguang Li, Mengsu Zeng, Li Shen, Dijia Wu, Jiasheng Yin, and Junbo Ge Key Finding: Lower HRV (specifically SDNN) is independently associated with higher Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) values—a high-fidelity biomarker for inflammation in the perivascular adipose tissue surrounding the heart. Each 1-SD decrease in SDNN was associated with a 2.05-fold increase in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. 2. Schizophrenia and Cognitive Endophenotypes Study:(https://www.cureus.com/articles/447595-heart-rate-variability-and-cognitive-function-as-potential-endophenotypes-in-schizophrenia-a-cross-sectional-observational-study-using-first-degree-relatives#!/) Authors: Priyadarsini Samanta, Barsha B. Parida, Jigyansa I. Pattnaik, Rama Chandra Das, Rashmi Kumari, Vedaant Parekh, Jayanti Mishra, Jyotiranjan Sahoo, and Laxman Kumar Senapati Key Finding: Patients with schizophrenia exhibit a significantly higher LF/HF ratio compared to healthy relatives (1.57 vs. 0.79), indicating chronic sympathovagal imbalance. This autonomic profile showed a strong positive correlation with cognitive performance on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence. 3. Exercise Physiology and the Fractal Heart ($DFA \alpha 1$) Study: Agreement between heart rate variability-derived and lactate/ventilatory thresholds during a 4-min stepwise incremental cycling test in male adults Authors: Anton Olieslagers, Yoram Müller-Jabusch, Margot Vancoillie, Emma Delen, and Toon de Beukelaar Key Finding: The non-linear metric DFA \alpha 1 at a value of 0.50 (HRVT2) is a highly accurate surrogate for the anaerobic threshold. However, the lower aerobic threshold (HRVT1 at 0.75) demonstrated poor agreement with gold-standard metabolic markers, suggesting it is not yet reliable for setting low-intensity zones. 4. Neonatal Maturation and Neurodevelopmental Risk Study:(https:/...

In this week’s episode of The Heart Rate Variability Podcast: This Week in HRV Edition, we explore five new studies that highlight the remarkable breadth of heart rate variability research — from the emotional intensity of football matches to adolescent development, from neurofeedback training to fasting physiology, and from cardiometabolic health to organ dysfunction in critical care. Across all five papers, one theme emerges clearly: HRV reflects adaptability. Whether we are celebrating a goal, training the brain, fasting, recovering from illness, or navigating adolescence, autonomic flexibility shapes outcomes. ⚽ Football Fever: HRV During Competitive Match Viewing A new study published in Scientific Reports (Nature Portfolio) investigates real-time cardiovascular and autonomic responses during high-stakes football matches. Researchers monitored spectators’ heart rates and HRV during key match events—goals, penalties, near misses, and final outcomes. Moments of uncertainty and threat to the favored team produced: Significant reductions in vagally mediated HRV Rapid increases in heart rate Sustained sympathetic activation in some individuals Recovery patterns differed based on match outcomes, with prolonged vagal withdrawal observed following unexpected losses. This research provides mechanistic insight into why major sporting events have been associated with spikes in cardiovascular incidents at the population level. Study link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-36182-1 Neurofeedback and Autonomic Regulation Published through Scientific Research Publishing, this study examined whether structured neurofeedback training influences heart rate variability and cognitive performance. Participants completed multiple neurofeedback sessions targeting EEG regulation associated with attention and emotional control. Findings included: Increases in parasympathetic HRV markers Improved cognitive task performance Reductions in anxiety-related symptoms The results support a bidirectional neurocardiac integration model — suggesting that improving cortical regulation may enhance vagal tone. For clinicians, this raises compelling questions about combining neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback for synergistic regulatory effects. Study link: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=149580 ⏳ Fasting, Cardiometabolic Health, and Autonomic Balance In a paper published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (American Heart Association), researchers examined the cardiovascular effects of structured fasting interventions. Key findings included: Improvements in triglyceride levels Enhanced insulin sensitivity Variable autonomic responses depending on metabolic status Early fasting phases were associated with increased sympathetic activity in some participants, while longer-term adaptation appeared to stabilize or improve HRV in metabolically resilient individuals. This highlights an important clinical principle: Fasting is a physiological stressor. Whether it becomes adaptive depends on individual autonomic resilience. Study link: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.125.323355 HRV as a Predictor of Organ Dysfunction Published in the Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing, this study explored heart rate variability as a biomarker of organ dysfunct...

In this episode, Matt Bennett interviews chiropractor Dr. Tommy Rhee about his utilization of heart rate variability in his innovative approach to regenerative health, recovery, and performance.

In Episode 24 of the Heart Rate Variability Podcast, we explore five recent studies that span trauma recovery, personality theory, migraine prediction, heart failure monitoring, and fundamental vagal sensory mechanisms. Together, these papers deepen our understanding of HRV not as a static metric, but as a dynamic signal shaped by interoception, context, and time. This episode emphasizes HRV as a marker of felt safety, autonomic integration, and physiological sensing, highlighting how vagal activity reflects not only brain-mediated regulation but also incoming sensory information from the body. Implications are discussed for clinicians, researchers, and individuals seeking a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of nervous system function. Medical Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medical care, mental health treatment, or lifestyle practices. STUDIES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Felt Safety and Body-Oriented Trauma Intervention Full Title:From Somatic Experiencing to felt safety: Assessing the effects of a body-oriented intervention in adults with various degrees of child maltreatment Authors:Jörgen LehmivaaraBilly JanssonJens BernhardssonMarylène CloitreMonique C. Pfaltz Journal:European Journal of Psychotraumatology Publication Year:2026 Key Points:• A brief Somatic Experiencing–based intervention significantly increased psychological safety• Participants showed improvements in affect and social connectedness• Heart rate decreased, and HRV increased during the intervention• Reductions in disrupted body boundaries and increased interoceptive awareness were observed• Findings support felt safety as an embodied, physiologically measurable state Article Link:https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2026.2613544 Autonomic Integration and the Triangle Therapy Hypothesis Full Title:Integrating autonomic and affective pathways in borderline personality disorder: The triangle therapy hypothesis Author:Daniel Juraszek Journal:Frontiers in Psychology Publication Year:2026 Key Points:• Proposes a somatic pre-phase intervention targeting autonomic regulation• Centers on exposure to silence, sound, and isolation as ancestral affective conditions• Frames BPD as a disorder of autonomic-affective integration rather than cognition alone• Suggests HRV as a physiological marker of treatment readiness and integration• Emphasizes bottom-up tolerance before top-down therapeutic work Article Link:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1686068/full Sleep-Time HRV and Migraine Prediction Full Title:Heart rate variability as a predictor of migraine: Sleep-time data analysis of pre-migraine nights Authors:Rūta JankevičiūtėViroslava KapustynskaVytautas Abromavičius Journal:Technology and Health Care Publication Year:2026 Key Points:• Sleep-time HRV patterns differed on nights preceding migraine attacks• Significant inter-individual variability was observed...

EPISODE 23 – THIS WEEK IN HEART RATE VARIABILITY Episode Title:HRV Across Cardiovascular Disease, Stress, Cognition, Development, and Social Connection Episode Summary:In Episode 23 of the Heart Rate Variability Podcast, we take an in-depth look at six recent peer-reviewed studies that collectively illustrate how heart rate variability (HRV) is being used across medicine, neuroscience, psychology, and emerging technologies. From cardiovascular disease prognosis to chronic stress burden, from Alzheimer’s-related fall risk to virtual reality–based physiological synchrony, this episode highlights HRV as a transdiagnostic marker of autonomic flexibility, resilience, and vulnerability. Rather than treating HRV as a single “good or bad” number, this episode emphasizes context, interpretation, and clinical nuance. HRV is explored as a window into nervous system regulation across the lifespan and across settings, with implications for clinicians, researchers, and individuals alike. Medical Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information presented is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medical care, mental health treatment, or lifestyle practices. STUDIES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE Cardiovascular Disease and HRV (Review Article) Full Title:Heart rate variability in cardiovascular disease diagnosis, prognosis, and management Authors:Brian Xiangzhi Wang, MDElla Brennand, MDPierre Le Page, MDAndrew R. J. Mitchell, MD, PhD Affiliations:Department of Medicine, Jersey General Hospital, St. Helier, JerseyDepartment of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom Journal:Frontiers in Cardiovascular MedicineSection: Cardiac RhythmologyPublication Date: January 26, 2026 Key Points:• Reduced HRV is associated with arrhythmias, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and post–myocardial infarction outcomes• HRV may reveal early autonomic dysfunction before overt clinical symptoms• Prognostic value of HRV remains debated due to mixed findings and methodological variability• HRV shows promise for tracking recovery and monitoring comorbid conditions such as depression• Wearable devices and machine learning may expand HRV’s clinical utility• Major challenges include a lack of standardization and limited incremental predictive value over established risk factors Article Link:https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2025.1680783 Allostatic Load, HRV, and Brain Networks Full Title:Linking allostatic load, heart rate variability and brain functional networks and structures in healthy men Authors:Juan M. Solano-AtehortuaGabriel CastrillónJazmin X. Suarez-ReveloJuan D. Sánchez-LópezDaniel A. Vargas-TejadaValentina Hawkins-CaicedoJuan C. CalderónJaime Gallo-VillegasYedselt V. Ospina-SerranoJuan D. Caicedo-JaramilloAna L. Miranda-Angulo Journal:PsychoneuroendocrinologyPublication Year: 2026 Key Points:• Higher allostatic load is associated with lower HRV in healthy men• A seven-biomarker allostatic load index (ALI-7) was positively associated with the LF/HF ratio• Findings suggest increased sympathetic dominance with gr...

In this episode, Matt Bennett interviews Dr. Jennifer S. Addleman and Nicholas S. Lackey about their recent article Heart Rate Variability Applications in Medical Specialties: A Narrative Review. You can find the article here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-025-09708-y. Dr. Jennifer S. Addleman, DO, CSCS, is a resident physician and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). She is currently completing her intern year in the Sutter Roseville Transitional Year Residency Program, followed by advanced training in Physiatry at the Stanford Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency Program. Dr. Addleman is active in research involving gait analysis, wearable technology, and heart rate variability. She is passionate about exploring the applications of HRV across medicine and strength and conditioning. Nicholas Lackey, PhD, BCB, is a Psychology Postdoctoral Resident with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Program in Northern California. He earned his PhD from Alliant International University in San Diego, during which he also completed the requisite experience for his Board Certification in Biofeedback. He explored research on meta-analyses and then on the implementation of Biofeedback. His dissertation explored the efficacy of a scale in examining types of chronic pain and Central Sensitization. Dr. Lackey aims to continue his career in Health Psychology and to examine the intersection of Psychology and Medicine through multidisciplinary collaboration and practice. Here is their previous article on strength and conditioning training and heart rate variability mentioned in the episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38921629/

This Week in HRV - Episode 22 In this episode of "This Week in HRV", Matt Bennett explores four recent studies that broaden our perspective on autonomic regulation across diverse physiological contexts. This week’s collection highlights the nuances of female reproductive physiology as captured by wearables, the specific cardiovascular mechanics of volitional sighing, the superior recovery potential of yoga practice, and the intricate neural coupling between the heart and brain during complex motor tasks. Together, these papers underscore the nervous system's adaptability to hormonal, behavioral, and cognitive demands. 1. Wearable-Derived Heart Rate Variability Across the Menstrual Cycle, Hormonal Contraceptive Use, and Reproductive Life Stages in Females: A Living Systematic Review Authors: Eline de Jager, Brian Caulfield, Evgenia Angelidi, Brian MacNamee & Sinead Holden Journal: Sports MedicineShutterstock This systematic review aggregates data from wearable technology to map HRV trends across the female reproductive lifespan. The authors examine how natural menstrual cycle phases, hormonal contraceptives, and different reproductive stages influence autonomic metrics. The findings emphasize the importance of context when interpreting wearable data in females, as hormonal fluctuations drive distinct shifts in autonomic balance that must be distinguished from training load or stress. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-025-02388-y 2. Dissecting Cardiovascular Responses to a Fixed-Interval Volitional Sighing Protocol Using a Mixed Modeling Approach Authors: Neel Muzumdar, Kelly Sun, Samuel Zhang, Kelsey Piersol, Anthony P. Pawlak, Marsha E. Bates & Jennifer F. Buckman Journal: Psychophysiology Investigating the mechanics of breathwork, this study utilized a mixed modeling approach to analyze cardiovascular responses to a specific protocol of volitional sighing. The research dissects how fixed-interval sighing alters heart rate dynamics, providing granular insight into how this specific respiratory behavior—often used for acute stress relief—modulates autonomic output and cardiovascular stability. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/psyp.70235 3. Autonomic recovery following submaximal exercise in yoga practitioners versus aerobic and strength-trained individuals Authors: Sreenath N., Pallavi L. C., Baskaran Chandrasekaran, Lavya Shetty, Lavina M. Manu & Shivaprakash Gangachannaiah Journal: Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine This comparative study assessed autonomic recovery speeds following submaximal exercise across three distinct groups: yoga practitioners, aerobic athletes, and strength-trained individuals. The results suggest that long-term yoga practice may confer a unique advantage in parasympathetic reactivation and in the speed of autonomic recovery post-exertion compared to traditional aerobic or resistance training backgrounds. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2026.2615509 4. The interplay between cardiac and brain activities within a balancing skill-challenge context during goal-directed motor control Authors: Heng Gu, Qunli Yao, Chao Yang, Zhaohuan Ding, Xiaoli Li & He Chen Journal: Cerebral CortexGetty Images Focusing on the brain-heart axis, this study explores the synchronization between cardiac rhythms and cortical activity during goal-directed motor control tasks requiring balance. The researchers id...

This Week in HRV - Episode 21 In this episode of This Week in HRV, Matt Bennett explores five recent studies that deepen our understanding of heart rate variability as a marker of autonomic regulation across endocrine health, sleep physiology, theoretical neuroscience, extreme environmental exposure, and performance nutrition. Together, these studies illustrate how HRV reflects the nervous system’s capacity to integrate hormonal, behavioral, environmental, and recovery-related demands. 1. Comparative Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Women with and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Authors: Sivaranjani; Prabhavathi; Keerthi; Bhavisha Sreenivasan; Thamarai Selvi; Saravanan; Panneerselvam Journal: Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences This study examined resting heart rate variability in women with and without PCOS. Women with PCOS showed reduced HRV, reflecting diminished parasympathetic modulation and altered autonomic balance. The findings suggest that autonomic dysregulation may be present early in PCOS, even before overt cardiovascular disease develops. https://journals.lww.com/jpbs/fulltext/2025/10000/comparative_analysis_of_heart_rate_variability_in.9.aspx 2. Autonomic Characteristics of Periodic Limb Movements: Comparison of Whole-Night and Stage N2 Linear and Non-Linear Heart Rate Variability Authors: Elif Simin; Selahattin; Elif Göksu Journal: Clinical Autonomic Research Using overnight polysomnography, this study analyzed how periodic limb movements during sleep affect autonomic regulation. HRV analysis revealed transient sympathetic activation during limb movement events and reduced autonomic complexity across the night. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10286-025-01184-y 3. Biofeedback from the Free Energy Principle Perspective: Some Psychoeducational and Clinical Implications Author: Yossi Journal: Biofeedback This theoretical paper applies the Free Energy Principle to biofeedback practice, framing HRV biofeedback as a process of reducing physiological uncertainty and improving adaptive regulation. https://biofeedback.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/biof/53/3/article-p47.xml 4. Autonomic Regulation across Sleep and Wake during an Antarctic Overwintering Authors: C. Tortello; A. Folgueira; B. Cauda; L. E. González; E. Sala Lozano; N. Pattyn; G. Simonelli; S. A. Plano; D. E. Vigo Journal: Scientific Reports This study tracked heart rate variability across months in individuals overwintering in Antarctica, showing reduced parasympathetic activity, weakened circadian organization, and diminished sleep–wake autonomic differentiation during prolonged isolation. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-31009-x 5. The Effects of an Acute Dose of Cannabidiol on Health and Two-Mile Time Trial Performance—A Pilot Study Authors: Elyssa R., Brandon, Seth M., and Laura K. Journal: Nutrients This pilot study examined the effects of an acute cannabidiol dose on endurance performance and physiological markers. While performance did not improve, changes in autonomic recovery markers suggest CBD...

This Week in HRV  In this episode of This Week in HRV, Matt Bennett explores five recent studies that deepen our understanding of heart rate variability across time, technology, cardiovascular health, brain aging, and addiction recovery. Together, these papers highlight both the strengths and limitations of HRV as a window into nervous system regulation. 1. Unveiling the Extremely Low Frequency Component of Heart Rate Variability Authors: Krzysztof, Adam G. Journal: Applied Sciences This study demonstrates that ultra-low-frequency HRV is not a single physiological process, but can be decomposed into two independent components reflecting circadian and ultradian rhythms. The findings expand our understanding of long-term autonomic regulation and biological timing. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/16/1/426 2. Limited Evidence for Heart Rate Variability as a Predictor of Cognitive and Pathophysiological Brain Markers Authors: Sofia, Jaime D., Arie, Balewgizie, Harriëtte, Rozemarijn, Rudi, Ronald, Peter Paul Journal: Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Using a long-term longitudinal design, this study examined whether midlife HRV predicts later cognitive performance, brain imaging findings, or Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Results suggest HRV alone is not a reliable early predictor of neurodegenerative pathology. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13872877251409343 3. Beyond Motion Artifacts: Optimizing PPG Preprocessing for Accurate Pulse Rate Variability Estimation Authors: Yuna, Natasha, Aarti, Varun, Matthew S. Conference Proceedings: ACM (UbiComp) This engineering study shows that preprocessing choices—particularly band-pass filtering—strongly influence the accuracy of pulse-rate variability derived from wearable PPG sensors. The authors demonstrate that adaptive preprocessing significantly improves HRV estimation accuracy. https://dl.acm.org/doi/epdf/10.1145/3714394.3756241 4. Association of Diurnal Blood Pressure Patterns with Heart Rate Variability and Retinopathy in Patients with Essential Hypertension Authors: Fengping, Hui, Tianfeng, Chen Journal: Scientific Reports This clinical study links abnormal nighttime blood pressure patterns with reduced HRV and a markedly higher prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy. The findings highlight the relationship between circadian autonomic regulation and microvascular health. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-29694-9 5. Yoga for Opioid Withdrawal and Autonomic Regulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial Authors: Suddala, Hemant, Bharath, Jayant, Ravindra P., Nishitha, Venkata Lakshmi, Urvakhsh Meherwan, Shivarama, Ganesan, Prabhat, Bangalore Nanjundiah, Kevin P., Matcheri, Pratima Journal: JAMA Psychiatry This randomized clinical trial shows that adding yoga to standard opioid detoxification significantly accelerates withdrawal recovery, improves HRV, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and decreases pain—demonstrating the role of autonomic regulation in addiction recovery. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2843424 Sponsor...

In this episode, Matt Bennett is joined by Dr. Inna Khazan and Dr. Mara Mather to discuss Dr. Mather's research on heart rate variability biofeedback. Dr. Mather's work opens exciting new insights to the real and potential power of HRV biofeedback. 

Episode Show Notes: This Week in HRV – January 2026 Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Today, host Matt Bennett explores ten groundbreaking studies that bridge the gap between autonomic health, mental well-being, and physical performance. From the cardiac strain of early psychosis to the "neuroimmune triad" in diabetes, we dive deep into the latest science of Heart Rate Variability. Detailed Study Summaries 1. Myocardial deformation and pro-arrhythmic indices in first-episode patients with psychosis before and one year after the initiation of antipsychotic treatment Authors: Marios Plakoutsis, Aris Bechlioulis, Aidonis Rammos, Spyridon Sioros, Andreas Karampas, Georgios Georgiou, Lampros K. Michalis, Katerina K. Naka, and Petros Petrikis. This study highlights that a first psychotic episode is a full-body stressor causing immediate autonomic imbalance. Even without prior heart disease, patients showed abnormal HRV and subtle weakening of heart muscle contraction. While treatment rebalances the autonomic system, it requires vigilant monitoring due to medication-induced QT interval prolongation. 2. Perception of effort decreases with motor sequence learning Authors: Bahram Ghafari Goushe, Thomas Mangin, Benjamin Pageaux, and Jason L. Neva. Learning a new skill isn't just a brain-based phenomenon. This experiment shows that as a task becomes automated, the body stays calmer (higher RMSSD) and the subjective perception of effort drops, reducing the physiological "price" of performance. 3. Serum cytokine levels and heart rate variability in the frequency domain in patients with chronic Chagas heart disease Authors: Reinaldo B. Bestetti Sr., Renata Dellalibera-Joviliano, Milton Faria Junior, Rosemary A. Furlan Daniel, and Cláudia C. Domingos. Focusing on the inflammatory reflex, researchers found that Interleukin-23 (IL-23) specifically correlates with reduced vagal tone in Chagas heart disease, suggesting this cytokine interferes with the nervous system's ability to regulate the heart. 4. Research on changes in psychological, physical fatigue and emotional states in the National Youth Orienteering Preparation Camp Authors: Haiyan Li. Comparing athletes at an intensive camp to those training at home, this study proves that structured recovery (fixed hydration, rest, and mental skills training) leads to significantly better HRV adaptations and lower cortisol, preventing burnout despite high training loads. 5. Autonomic-inflammatory crosstalk in diabetic atherogenesis: a neuroimmune triad (HRV-LMR-hsCRP) predicts carotid plaque risk in type 2 diabetes Authors: Xinrui Zhou, Xiaowei Bai, Li Ding, Shuai Zhang, and Ya Li. This paper introduces a practical "neuroimmune triad"—combining HRV with immune markers (LMR and hsCRP)—to accurately predict the risk of carotid plaques in diabetic patients, identifying those at highest risk for stroke. 6. Effect of Tai Chi and Qigong on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Examining Baseline Autonomic Function and Intervention Complexity as Moderators in Adults Authors: Yasmine A. Gunawan, Mein-Woei Suen, Hanifa M. Denny, Ishita Chauhan, Milcha Fakhria, Siswi Jayanti, and Earl F.I. Mallari. A meta-analysis of 15 studies confirms that mind-body exercises improve HRV regardless of routine complexity. However, gains are largest for those who enter the practice with a relatively healthy baseline autonomic state. 7. Sympathovagal imbalance in drug-naïve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: a physiological mechanism to cope with the severity of airway obstruction in an observational study Authors: Durgesh K. Gupta, Shibu S. Awasthi, Suman Gupta, and Himani H. More. In COPD, the body reflexively boosts sympathetic drive t...

The 2024 Year in Review — Research That Shaped 2025 The Heart Rate Variability Podcast In this special "Year in Review with a Twist," we shift our focus from the weekly news cycle to the big picture. We examine the most influential, highly cited research of 2024 to understand how these findings are revolutionizing clinical thinking and personal wellness in 2025. HRV is no longer just a metric on a wearable; it has become the definitive framework for understanding resilience, adaptation, and human regulation. Episode Highlights The Anxiety Biomarker: Why 2024 research confirms HRV as a "top-down" signal of how the brain calms itself and its potential for identifying anxiety subtypes. Combatting "Inflammaging": Exploring the link between vagal tone and chronic low-grade inflammation in aging populations. The Autonomic Conditioning of Exercise: How physical activity trains the nervous system, not just the heart muscle. Context is King: A deep dive into the 2024 "Sensitivity Review" highlighting how noise, heat, and even genetics must be accounted for in accurate readings. Biofeedback Frontiers: From COPD and Spinal Cord Injury to classroom attention, we look at how HRV training is breaking new ground in rehabilitation and education. Key Research Reviewed Psychophysiology & Mental Health (2024): A landmark review synthesizing decades of data to establish HRV as a marker of prefrontal cortex regulation over the amygdala in anxiety disorders. Gerontology & Immunology (2024): Research into "Inflammaging," positioning HRV as a non-invasive biomarker for biological age rather than just chronological age. Sports Science & Performance (2024): A systematic review on HRV-guided training, emphasizing individual baselines over population norms for sustainable athletic performance. Clinical Biofeedback Trials (2024): Notable studies involving COPD patients and those with chronic spinal cord injuries, proving the feasibility of HRV training even in complex physiological cases. Neurodevelopmental Interventions (2024): Exploratory research into using HRV biofeedback for anxiety in Autism Spectrum Disorder and attention-building in school-aged children. The 2025 Takeaway "The question is no longer whether HRV is relevant, but how we apply it thoughtfully and responsibly. Autonomic flexibility is the foundation of emotional resilience, physical health, and cognitive performance." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Optimal HRV. Bridge the gap between data and action with evidence-based tools designed for individuals, clinicians, and organizations. Explore our professional dashboards and HRV training e-gift cards today. Learn more at www.optimalhrv.com Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your health or wellness routines.

In this episode, Stephanie White joins Matt Bennet to explore the nature and uses of Very High Frequency Heart Rate Variability.

This Week in Heart Rate Variability: Air Pollution, Spiritual Wellbeing, Consciousness & Clinical Prediction In this episode of The Heart Rate Variability Podcast – This Week in HRV, we expand the horizons of autonomic science. From the hidden impact of environmental pollutants to the neuro-spiritual connection of the "heart-brain axis," we examine how HRV serves as a vital bridge between our environment, our consciousness, and our clinical outcomes. Episode Highlights Environmental Stressors: New research into how air pollution and lead exposure synergistically drive autonomic dysfunction. The Spirituality-HRV Link: Exploring Bayesian modeling of Heartbeat Evoked Potentials (HEP) as a biomarker for mental and spiritual wellbeing. HRV as a Clinical Life-Line: A deep dive into a major meta-analysis confirming HRV’s power to predict mortality in heart failure patients. Mapping Consciousness: How 24-hour HRV monitoring is helping clinicians differentiate between unresponsive wakefulness and recovery in patients with disorders of consciousness. Precision and Reliability: Critical insights into the reliability of short-term HRV measurements across different body positions and environments. Featured Studies & Resources Environmental Research (2025) — Air Pollution & Chronic Lead Exposure: The synergistic impact of environmental toxins on cardiac autonomic function. Link to Study Cogent Psychology (2025) — Bayesian Modeling of HEP and HRV: An exploratory study on using HRV and heart-brain communication as biomarkers for spiritual health. Link to ResearchGate Scientific Reports (2025) — The Multidimensional Perspective of HRV: A comprehensive look at the brain-heart axis (BHA) and its role in predicting multi-system disease. Link to Nature Cureus (2025) — HRV as a Predictor of Mortality in Heart Failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prognostic value of HRV in cardiovascular care. Link to Cureus Scientific Reports (2025) — Clinical Reliability of Short-Term HRV Insights into the consistency of HRV measurements in dual-environment and dual-position settings. Link to Nature Acta Neurologica Belgica (2025) — HRV in Disorders of Consciousness Using 24-hour HRV metrics to identify emergence from minimally conscious states (PMID: 41389121). Link to PubMed Psicothema (2025) — Autonomic Modulation & Psychological States Examining the latest protocols for integrating HRV into psychological and behavioral health assessments. Link to ScienceDirect Key Takeaway The "Heart-Brain Axis" is more than a concept—it is a measurable r...

This Week in Heart Rate Variability: Metabolic Syndrome, Nerve Blocks, EDS & Autonomic Health In this episode of The Heart Rate Variability Podcast – This Week in HRV, we explore how the autonomic nervous system function connects metabolic disease, genetic disorders, targeted neural interventions, and the future of biofeedback science. Episode Highlights How Metabolic Syndrome drives chronic sympathetic overactivation and reduced HRV Experimental evidence showing how the stellate ganglion block directly alters HRV and sympathetic tone New data validating dysautonomia in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome using HRV and autonomic testing Why HRV is emerging as a critical clinical and research biomarker A preview of the 2026 AAPB Annual Scientific Meeting and why it matters for clinicians and researchers Featured Studies & Resources Cureus (2025) — Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation in Metabolic Syndrome https://www.cureus.com/articles/431819-autonomic-nervous-system-dysregulation-in-metabolic-syndrome-an-association-with-hypertension-and-cardiovascular-risk#!/ Autonomic Neuroscience (2025) — Selective Sympathetic Action on HRV After Stellate Ganglion Block https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1566070225001298 Cureus (2025) — Heart Rate Variability and Intrinsic Autonomic Coupling in Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome https://www.cureus.com/articles/429326-heart-rate-variability-and-intrinsic-autonomic-coupling-in-ehlers-danlos-syndrome?score_article=true#!/ Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) About AAPB: https://aapb.org/about 2026 Annual Conference: https://aapb.starchapter.com/meetinginfo.php?id=43&ts=1763415344 Key Takeaway Heart rate variability is a universal marker of resilience, translating metabolic stress, genetic vulnerability, and neural interventions into measurable physiological signals. HRV is no longer just a wellness metric—it's a clinical and scientific lens into autonomic health. Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Optimal HRV, providing evidence-based tools for measuring and training heart rate variability for individuals, clinicians, and organizations. Now offering e-gift cards for HRV training, app access, and professional dashboards. Learn more at www.optimalhrv.com

Episode 15 – This Week in Heart Rate Variability Welcome to this week's exploration of the latest HRV science. In Episode 15, we discuss nine newly published studies that expand our understanding of HRV in mental health, physiology, chronic illness, and digital health innovation. This episode highlights remote biofeedback, pediatric heart dynamics, pregnancy and thyroid status, elite performance, cardiac rehabilitation, personalized training prediction, global research trends, autoimmune flare detection, and neurostimulation safety. Featured Studies: Remote HRV Biofeedback and Mental Health “Efficacy and Methodology of Remote Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Interventions for Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” Vann-Adibe et al., Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (2025) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10484-025-09750-w Pediatric HRV and Cardiac Complexity “Age-dependent patterns of cardiac complexity unveiled by topological data analysis of pediatric heart rate variability” Domínguez-Monterroza et al., PLOS ONE (2025) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0337620 Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and HRV “Comparative Evaluation of Thyroid Profiles and Heart Rate Variability in Newly Diagnosed Subclinical Hypothyroid and Euthyroid Pregnant Women” Singh et al., Cureus (2025) https://www.cureus.com/articles/427419-comparative-evaluation-of-thyroid-profiles-and-heart-rate-variability-in-newly-diagnosed-subclinical-hypothyroid-and-euthyroid-pregnant-women?score_article=true#!/ Performance Optimization in Firefighters “Mental imagery and breathing exercises integrated into a standardized warm-up routine enhance sympathetic activation and optimize muscular performance in firefighters” Biéchy et al., PLOS ONE (2025) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0337431 Innovative Respiratory-Synchronized Pacemaker University of Auckland research feature: “Pacemaker could help the heart heal” Paton, Ben-Tal, Nogaret, and Stiles https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/12/02/pacemaker-could-help-heart-heal.html HRV and Personalized Fitness Modeling “Advancing training effectiveness prediction in mass sport through longitudinal data: A mathematical model approach based on the Fitness-Fatigue Model” Wang et al., PLOS ONE (2025) https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0337824 Global Trends in HRV Research “A Two-Decade Bibliometric Analysis of Heart Rate Variability Research (2005–2024)” Sharma et al., Psychiatry Research (2025)

In this episode, Matt Bennett talks with Dr. Richard Harris about his article: Single-case report: dynamic changes in cardiac function during shamanic journeying and Qigong meditation Read the full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1608442/full

In this episode, we dive deep into the latest research from late 2025 and explore the exploding field of Psychophysiology. We look at how Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is becoming the "master key" for detecting everything from complex emotions to psychosis. We also break down a massive new study on how antidepressants shift your physical metabolism, the effectiveness of "light-guided" breathing for office stress, and how VR gaming affects your autonomic nervous system. Links & Resources Mentioned: Clinical Psychiatry & Pharmacology Article: Which Antidepressants Shift Physiology? (Conexiant) Takeaway: A look at how different antidepressant classes impact weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. Paper: Reducing Artifact Preprocessing in HRV-Based Personalized Psychosis Prediction (World Scientific) Takeaway: Using AI to predict psychosis directly from wearable data. Breathing & Interventions Paper: Light-guided resonant breathing enhances psychophysiological stress recovery in a simulated office environment (Nature Scientific Reports) Paper: Resonant breathing in hospitalised psychiatric patients with persistent somatic symptoms (General Psychiatry / BMJ) The Science of Stress & Emotion (HRV) Paper: Measures of the psychophysiological response to recurrent anticipatory stress - the influence of neuroticism (Nature Scientific Reports) Paper: Heart rate variability reveals graded task difficulty effects and sensitization dynamics (Springer / J. Physiol. Anthropol.) Paper: HRV-Based Recognition of Complex Emotions: Feature Identification (MDPI Healthcare) Physiology in Action (VR & Exercise) Paper: Impact of Stereoscopic Technologies on Heart Rate Variability in Extreme VR Gaming Conditions (MDPI Technologies) Paper: A controlled comparative study on the effect of arterial occlusion pressure on immediate sympathetic responses (Nature Scientific Reports)