SAN DIEGO--()--Solara Mental Health proudly recognizes the doctoral research of Moe Fathi, Ph.D., from the California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University. His study, “The Use of Ambulatory Measures to Maximize Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Dose for Stress Reduction,” explores the use of wearable technology to enhance stress management and mental health treatment for veterans.

Exploring the Potential of HRV Biofeedback

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) is a noninvasive therapy that helps regulate stress responses through controlled breathing. Fathi’s research provides new insights into HRVB’s effectiveness by:

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Bluetooth®-enabled devices, the study tracks how veterans adhere to personalized breathing patterns.
  • Dose-Response Analysis: Evaluating the frequency, duration, and quality of HRV biofeedback practice to understand its impact on mental health metrics such as depression, anxiety, rumination, and autonomic symptoms.
  • Physiological Insights: Monitoring changes in heart rate variability indices to determine improvements in stress resilience.

Key Findings and Clinical Implications

  • Long-Term Benefits: Veterans participating in HRVB training reported reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms over time.
  • Early Practice and Symptom Correlation: No immediate link was found between short-term HRVB practice (first two weeks) and mental health improvements, suggesting that sustained practice may be necessary for meaningful changes.

Solara Mental Health’s Commitment to Innovation

Solara Mental Health played a pivotal role in supporting this research by providing clinical resources and veteran participants. This study aligns with Solara’s dedication to integrating evidence-based biofeedback methods into mental healthcare.

“This study highlights the need for further research into HRVB and its potential as a tool for mental health treatment. We are committed to exploring innovative, data-driven approaches to improve outcomes for our veterans,” said Tim Doyle, Executive Director of Solara Mental Health.

About Solara Mental Health

Solara Mental Health is a military-exclusive provider of comprehensive inpatient residential psychiatric care, specializing in the unique mental health needs of veterans nationwide. As an in-network VA Community Care Network (CCN) provider, Solara delivers evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment across a spectrum of conditions, including PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), depression, and suicide prevention. To ensure that every veteran has access to treatment, Solara covers all travel costs for eligible veterans and offers private studio residences with pet-friendly accommodations to support recovery.

For information about Solara Mental Health’s veteran programs and cutting-edge treatment approaches, visit SolaraMentalHealth.com or call (866) 797-3727.