---
title: "Evidence: paced breathing raises HRV"
description: "HRV biofeedback training shows promise for reducing self-reported stress and anxiety."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s175.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s175.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s175.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s175"
journal: "Psychol Med"
year: 2017
pmid: "28478782"
doi: "10.1017/S0033291717001003"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: paced breathing raises HRV

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Psychol Med |
| Year | 2017 |
| PMID | [28478782](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28478782/) |
| DOI | [10.1017/S0033291717001003](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717001003) |
| Study key | s175 |

## Takeaway

HRV biofeedback training shows promise for reducing self-reported stress and anxiety.

## The question

Does heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and stress?

## Hypothesis

HRV biofeedback might be an effective way to treat anxiety and stress symptoms.

## Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted using studies from PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. The search identified 24 studies with a total of 484 participants who underwent HRV biofeedback training for stress and anxiety. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

## Results

The pre-post within-group effect size (Hedges' g) was 0.81. The between-groups analysis comparing biofeedback to a control condition showed a Hedges' g of 0.83. Moderator analyses indicated that treatment efficacy was not influenced by study year, risk of study bias, percentage of females, number of sessions, or presence of an anxiety disorder.

## Conclusion

HRV biofeedback training is linked to a significant reduction in self-reported stress and anxiety.

## Limitations

More well-controlled studies are needed to further confirm the efficacy of HRV biofeedback.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> heart rate variability biofeedback is associated with a large reduction in stress and anxiety

## Effect Sizes of HRV Biofeedback on Stress and Anxiety

| Measure | Hedges' g |
| --- | --- |
| Pre-post within-group | 0.81 |
| Between-groups vs. control | 0.83 |

*Hedges' g effect sizes for HRV biofeedback on stress and anxiety.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HRV Biofeedback Trainer | — | — |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: paced breathing raises HRV**
   Psychol Med 2017 · [PMID 28478782](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28478782/) · [DOI 10.1017/S0033291717001003](https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717001003)

   > heart rate variability biofeedback is associated with a large reduction in stress and anxiety

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## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).