Abstract
Objective: Evaluate changes in autonomic cardiovascular regulation (ACR) associated with use of High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM®) among subjects enrolled in a pilot study for symptoms of military-related traumatic stress (MTS). Background: Symptoms associated with MTS include insomnia, depression, anxiety, impaired autonomic cardiovascular regulation, and disturbance in brain networks. HIRREM is a noninvasive, closed-loop acoustic stimulation technology that identifies dominant brain frequencies and translates them in real time into audible tones of variable pitch and timing, to support self-updating and self-optimization of brain activity. We report interim outcomes for measures of ACR. Methods: Fourteen male service members, or recent Veterans, mean (SD) age 40.9 (7.0), with symptoms of MTS from 1-12 years, received 19.6 (1.0) HIRREM sessions over 12 days. Ten minute recordings of heart rate and blood pressure, for analysis of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV), were done before and immediately after completion of the HIRREM intervention. Paired t-tests were performed. Results: Mean values increased after HIRREM for multiple measures of ACR including BRS; Sequence Down (4.8 ms/mmHg, SE 1.8, p = 0.01), Sequence Up (7.7 ms/mmHg, 3.6, p = 0.05), and Sequence All (6.5 ms/mmHg, 2.2, p = 0.01), as well as HRV; SDNN (15.5 ms, 3.6, p < 0.01), rMSSD (15.9 ms, 3.6, p < 0.01), LF (1245.1 ms², 418.5, p = 0.01), HF (398.0 ms², 176.0, p = 0.04), and total power (1643.1 ms², 550.8, p = 0.01). There were no adverse events or dropouts. Conclusions: These interim results suggest improved autonomic cardiovascular regulation, across multiple measures of BRS and HRV, associated with the use of HIRREM for symptoms of MTS. Confirmation of results in this, and future studies, may provide important insights regarding both the mechanisms associated with the beneficial effects of HIRREM, and the functional disturbances underlying MTS.
Disclosure: Dr. Tegeler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shaltout has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has received personal compensation for with activities with Brain State Technologies, LLC., as an employee. Dr. Tegeler has nothing to disclose.
Wednesday, April 20 2016, 8:30 am-7:00 pm
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