HeartMath Institute researchers have received many thousands of citations and are considered pioneers in heart-brain interactions and heart rate variability. Their research led to practical tools that improve emotional regulation, resilience, and ease stress, anxiety, and depression.

In 2025, over 20 new independent research papers were published based on HeartMath research and HRV coherence training technology. Here are a few examples:

1. A clinical study published in JAMA Network Open found that Heart Rate Variability Coherence Biofeedback can help the heart respond more effectively during mental or emotional stress—especially for people with coronary artery disease.

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Mental Stress Myocardial Flow Reserve: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Amit J. Shah, Paolo Raggi, Hua She, AA Quyyumi, O Levantsevych, M Johnson, et al.
JAMA Network Open, Vol. 8 (10), p. e2538416

2. Another study published in Physiological Reports found that in healthy young adults, brief use of HeartMath techniques increased HRV markers linked to improved autonomic flexibility, suggesting these techniques can quickly enhance cardio-autonomic balance and support stress-resilience training.

Heart‐focused breathing technique and attitude breathing technique effects on heart rate variability in young healthy subjects

Ilinca Savulescu‐Fiedler, Sandica Bucurica, Ioana Toader, Constantin Pistol, Ionela Maniu
Physiological Reports, Vol. 13 (21), p. e70589

3. This Phase II trial tested HRV biofeedback alongside standard care in Long COVID-related ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). HRV coherence training reduced fatigue and autonomic symptoms, improved sleep, and quality of life versus controls, suggesting a safe and promising adjunctive therapy.

The Use of Heart Rate Variability-Biofeedback as an Adjunctive Intervention in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Long COVID: Results of a Phase II Controlled Feasibility Trial

Giulia Cossu, Goce Kalcev, Diego Primavera, Stefano Lorrai, Alessandra Perra, Alessia Galetti, Roberto Demontis, et al. 
Journal of Clinical Medicine, Vol. 14 (15), p. 5363

4. A functional medicine clinic implemented virtual HRV biofeedback in an interdisciplinary protocol for chronically ill patients. It showed clinical improvements in symptoms, autonomic function, and well-being after training.

Clinical Implementation of a Virtual Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training as Part of a Functional Medicine-Based Interdisciplinary and Integrative Intervention for Chronically Ill Veterans

K. Haws, C. Carlson, S. Greer, P. McManus, E. Sacra, C. Kussin, S. Mak, H. Chandler, O. Osinubi
Institute for Functional Medicine

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