Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness

Authors: Adeline M Nyamathi, Benissa E Salem, Lillian Gelberg, Dana Rose Garfin, Kate Wolitsky-Taylor, Sanghyuk S Shin, Zhaoxia Yu, Angela Hudson, Kartik Yadav, Richard Clarke, Mitra Alikhani, Emily van Cise, Darlene Lee

This study tested a heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-BF) intervention against a health promotion (HP) program to improve mental health in homeless adults in Los Angeles. Forty participants were divided into two groups, receiving eight weekly sessions over two months, delivered by a nurse-led team of community health workers (CHWs). Both interventions improved heart rate variability and reduced anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, with HRV-BF showing slightly better, though not significantly different, results. The findings suggest that CHW-led interventions focused on emotional and physical health could benefit this population, but further research is needed.