The based-biofeedback approach versus ECG for evaluation heart rate variability during the maximal exercise protocol among healthy individuals

Although the use of biofeedback devices is beyond measure, they are widely applied only for clinical purposes. Therefore, this study evaluated whether biofeedback devices could be applied to estimate heart rate variability (HRV) among healthy populations. 60 individuals (46 ± 5 years; 30 women) performed maximal exercise protocol (MEP). At pre- and post-MEP status, HRV indexes were collected by two devices: 1) the electrocardiogram device (ECG); 2) the biofeedback device (BIO). At pre-exercise status, all HRV parameters had significant correlations, ranging from low (r = 0.241) to high (r = 0.779). At post-exercise status, significant correlations for some of the HRV measures were found as well, ranging from low (i.e., r ≤ 0.29) to moderate (i.e., 0.3 ≤ r ≤ 0.49). According to our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to evaluate HRV by biofeedback devices among healthy individuals, which shows they can also be applied as a swift method to examine HRV among healthy individuals, especially in rest conditions.