Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory: A Systematic Review

Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory: A Systematic Review | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 22 October 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory: A Systematic Review Authors : Fernando Rosendo da Cunha e Silva 0009-0007-6748-7131 , Esther P. F. Wöllner , and Carlos Norte 0000-0002-4068-5126 [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176112615.58112629/v1 169 views 69 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Working Memory (WM) is an essential component of Executive Functions, directly related to academic performance, cognitive regulation, and well-being. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has emerged as a promising intervention due to its efficacy in autonomic modulation and potential effects on cognitive function. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the relationship between HRVB and WM performance. A search was conducted in August 2025 in the Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases, resulting in 59 identified studies, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies revealed significant heterogeneity regarding intervention protocols, investigated populations, and WM measurement instruments. The findings were mixed: some studies reported significant improvements in working memory, especially in clinical populations such as veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, while others did not observe consistent effects, particularly in older adults and healthy young adults. In physiological terms, nine of the ten studies recorded an increase in HRV after the intervention, suggesting efficacy in autonomic modulation. Despite this potential, the conclusions are still preliminary, as several studies had methodological limitations that limit the generalizability of the findings. In conclusion, although HRVB shows potential to positively influence working memory, future investigations with greater methodological rigor and standardized protocols are needed. Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory: A Systematic Review Fernando Rosendo da Cunha e Silva 11Mailing address: Carlos Eduardo Nórte - Institute of Psychology – State University of Rio de Janeiro. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 – Bloco E, Sala 10.001E. Maracanã, CEP: 20550-900, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brazil. Email: [email protected] Institute of Psychology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Orcid.org/0009-0007-6748-7131 Esther P. F. Wöllner Institute of Psychology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Orcid.org/0009-0003-0666-1627 Carlos Eduardo Norte Institute of Psychology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Orcid.org/0000-0002-4068-5126 Supplementary Material File (manuscript.docx) Download 960.16 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 22 October 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Authors Affiliations Fernando Rosendo da Cunha e Silva 0009-0007-6748-7131 Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro View all articles by this author Esther P. F. Wöllner Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro View all articles by this author Carlos Norte 0000-0002-4068-5126 [email protected] Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 169 views 69 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Fernando Rosendo da Cunha e Silva, Esther P. F. Wöllner, Carlos Norte. Effects of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Working Memory: A Systematic Review. Authorea . 22 October 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176112615.58112629/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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