Instructor

Heart Rate Variability has been well established as a benchmark for health, stress resilience and autonomic balance. As such, promoting healthy variability via HRV Biofeedback represents a broad-based therapy that can be applied within both health and performance applications. This course presents an overview of physiological underpinnings that detail the mechanisms underlying heart rate variability and provides practical instruction in using HRVB as a tool within both clinical and performance settings. A key goal is to prepare the student for being able to facilitate the use of heart rate variability biofeedback.

The course follows the instructional blueprint set forth for HRV certification through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. Instruction begins with an overall introduction to HRV, followed by an overview of related anatomy and physiology, an exploration of instrumentation and measurement, and finally practical application in clinical and performance practice. An emphasis will be placed on building skills for practical understanding and application.

The course objective is to provide the depth of knowledge in heart rate variability biofeedback required for the clinician or coach to competently perform basic HRV assessments and biofeedback-based interventions.

This course is designed to help the student:

1. Summarize the anatomical and physiological concepts of heart/lung function that drive respiratory sinus arrhythmia.

2. Discuss theoretical underpinnings that describe the mechanisms of action underlying HRVB.

3. Identify relevant metrics in the measurement of heart rate variability.

4. Detail the steps in performing an HRV assessment.

5. Use a basic heart rate variability intervention and related equipment to promote improved autonomic balance.

6. Outline the application of HRVB to health and performance concerns.

Review Syllabus: View Now

None

This course does not require the purchase of a textbook, but rather a basic home training HRV unit instead. Readings for each unit are supplied for you so that you are not burdened by both the cost of the unit and a textbook.

The most basic HRV biofeedback apps can be purchased for smart phone beginning at $10.00 However their accuracy and capability is limited. A basic home training HRV unit with adequate accuracy starts at ~$130 and can range up to $400. Clinical grade systems begin at ~$500. Note: You are not required to purchase more than the basic HRV app for the course! However, if you anticipate utilizing HRV biofeedback in a clinical or training setting and want to consider purchase of clinical grade equipment to use for the course, that is more than acceptable.

In unit 1, please consult the Review document for examples of devices that are suitable for completion of the course.

Important: BEFORE you select a unit, please complete the Unit 1 exercise and submit your answers. I will approve the unit you propose to purchase to assure that you can complete the required assignments.

20 CE credits.

The Behavioral Medicine Research and Training Foundation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Behavioral Medicine R&T Foundation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

There is one year to complete the course. You must begin the course within six months of the purchase date and complete it within one year of the purchase date. Courses not completed by that time are void and must be repurchased if still available.

No refunds are provided for courses not completed within one year of purchase.