Biofeedback Intervention with individuals with gut disorder
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the effectiveness of heart rate variability biofeedback training in individuals with gastrointestinal disorder: A feasibility study.
IRAS ID
250048
Contact name
Helen Poole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of the research is to investigate a heart rate variability biofeedback intervention with individuals who have gastrointestinal disorders. Research has suggested that individuals with gastrointestinal disorders may experience a dysregulated nervous system (Waring, Chi & Japp, 2004). One way of helping individuals manage stress and rebalance their nervous system is to use heart rate variability biofeedback techniques to self regulate and calm the body. The research is a feasibility study recruiting 28 participants who have gastrointestinal disorders for a small randomised control trial from Salford Royal Hospital. Participants will be recruited from the waiting list for treatment from the Gastroenterology and Psychology department. Half of the participants will be randomised to receive the intervention and half will remain on the waiting list. Those in the intervention group will be invited to attend six 50-minute sessions at the hospital where they will be trained in self regulation using biofeedback. All participants will complete six psychological measures of mood, coping styles, locus of control, sense of coherence, gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress. Participants will also complete three heart rate variability assessments pre-post intervention.
Following the intervention, individuals will be invited to take part in a interview to talk about their experiences of taking part. See interview schedule in the research protocol for further information. This will form the qualitative aspect which will be analysed using IPA.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NW/0237
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion