Most clinicians think of slow-paced breathing when they think of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. But what if breathing isn’t always the best tool?

In this episode, Saul Rosenthal talks with Dr. Fred Shaffer delving deeper into the tips for HRV training he describes in his NRBS webinar.

Fred explains how slow-paced muscle contraction can improve HRV, discusses the situations in which it may be helpful, and shares some surprising findings from his laboratory. The conversation also explores broader questions about HRV training, including what we know, and still need to learn, about resonance frequency, why some clients struggle with paced breathing, and how clinicians can avoid becoming overly focused on physiological metrics.

Along the way, Fred offers a reminder that applies far beyond HRV training: use HRV as a compass, not a scoreboard.

Topics include:

• Slow-paced muscle contraction as an alternative to slow breathing
• When breathing-based HRV training may not be appropriate
• Resonance frequency and the unanswered questions in HRV science
• Common challenges in HRV biofeedback training
• Measuring outcomes that matter to clients
• Why clinicians should master the skills they teach

Dr. Fred Shaffer is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Truman State University, former president of the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), and one of the field’s leading educators in biofeedback and psychophysiology.

Contact us at healthybrain@nrbs.org.

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This podcast is produced by the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society. NRBS is an organization for professionals, students, and everyone interested in neurofeedback, biofeedback, and whole body health.

Learn more about Dr. Saul Rosenthal at advancedbehavioral.care.

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The Healthy Brain Happy Body logo was designed by Alexandra VanDerlyke. Our heartfelt thanks to her and the rest of the team at Collectively Rooted.

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