Which physiological parameter does heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback assess?

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback specifically assesses the interval variations between heartbeats, focusing on the time differences between successive heartbeats. This physiological parameter is crucial because it reflects the autonomic nervous system's balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. By measuring these variations, HRV biofeedback can provide insights into an individual's stress response, emotional regulation, and overall cardiovascular health.

The assessment of heartbeat intervals allows practitioners to evaluate how well the body is responding to stress and whether it can return to a state of balance or homeostasis after facing challenges. Research has shown that greater HRV is often associated with better health outcomes and resilience to stress, making it a valuable measurement in biofeedback practices.

Other physiological parameters such as blood pressure fluctuations, muscle contraction rates, and brain wave patterns focus on different aspects of body function and do not specifically relate to the nuanced changes in heartbeat intervals that HRV biofeedback is designed to evaluate.