Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Smoking Cessation

Development and Pilot Investigation of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback for Smoking Cessation

Open trial of heart rate variability biofeedback as an adjunct to individualized smoking cessation counseling (SCT) plus transdermal nicotine replacement patch (NRT) in smokers with elevated emotional distress.

The investigators propose to develop and pilot test heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) for smokers with elevated emotional distress as an adjunct to individual smoking cessation counseling (SCT) and transdermal nicotine patch (NRT). In this open trial, all participants received the active intervention. Findings will be used to refine the protocol in advance of a subsequent Phase III randomized clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Smoking ≥5 cigarettes, daily, for at least two years
• expired carbon monoxide analysis of breath sample ≥8 ppm
• elevated affective distress
• motivation to quit
• computer proficient

Exclusion Criteria:

• current use of other tobacco or nicotine products for recreation or to aid in cessation, use of pharmacological intervention for cessation, or current enrollment in a psychosocial intervention for smoking cessation
• endorsement of current or past psychotic or manic symptoms indicative of bipolar spectrum or schizophrenia spectrum disorders and/or current suicidal or homicidal ideation
• inability to provide written informed consent
• current evidence of another substance use disorder
• severe visual or hearing impairments
• self-reported medical condition or medication use that may be contraindicated for participation in a HRVB or confound autonomic parameters:
• self-reported medical issues of potential concern to nicotine patch users