Article

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two
biofeedback schedules on long-term improvement in physical and psychologic
reactivity to chronic nonmalignant pain.
This study is a prospective,
randomized pilot trial. METHODS: Twenty adults with chronic pain engaged in heart
rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training for nine sessions with HRV presented
visually. Two groups, formed by random assignment, were compared: The faded
feedback group received concurrent visual HRV biofeedback in session 1, with the
amount of biofeedback systematically reduced for ensuing sessions so that, by
session 9, the participants were controlling HRV without external feedback. The full feedback group received visual HRV biofeedback continuously across all
sessions. Outcome measures assessed at baseline, immediately after the program,
and 3 mos after the program included pain intensity, fear-avoidance beliefs, and
self-report physical functioning. Use of biofeedback skills was also assessed 3
mos after the program. Nominal variables were analyzed with chi. Continuous
measures were analyzed with repeated-measures analyses of variance. RESULTS: The
faded feedback schedule resulted in greater use of biofeedback skills at 3 mos
and improved pain intensity and fear-avoidance beliefs after the program and at 3
mos. Physical functioning did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
Systematically reducing the frequency of external visual feedback during HRV
biofeedback training was associated with reduced reactivity to chronic pain.
Results of this pilot study should be confirmed with a larger randomized study.

Langue : ANGLAIS