Lung Heart Rate Variability

A Pilot Study at a Single Institution of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback on Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Thearpy

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of heart-rate variability biofeedback training on lung cancer patients receiving definitive radiation therapy. The target population consists of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving 6 weeks of radiation therapy. The study will utilize the Physiolab GP8 heart rate variability and respiration system to collect data as well as several survey instruments to analyze quality of life measures. The goal is to show the HRV training can improve certain QOL measures like anxiety and sleep quality.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants must be older than 18 years of age
• Both women and men of all ethnic background are eligible to participate in the study.
• Must be diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and receiving 6 weeks of radiation therapy.
• Must be available and willing to participate in 4, approximately 1 hour HRV biofeedback treatment sessions.
• Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participant is younger than 18 or older than 70
• Diagnosed with early stage NSCLC
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients with cardiac arrhythmias
• Patients with Pacemakers
• Patients taking beta-blockers
• Patients with any major mental illness, cognitive impairment
• Incapable of giving informed consent