HRV Science

Research summaries in plain English — what the studies actually say

Latest Research

Recently added — view all 118 studies →

Pediatric Rheumatology 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

Reduced HRV Coherence Predicts Symptom Burden in Juvenile Fibromyalgia

First study examining HRV coherence in children with fibromyalgia found reduced coherence associated with greater symptom burden and psychological distress, suggesting HRV biofeedback as a potential non-pharmacological treatment.

Chronic Pain & Fatigue HRV in Children
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PMC 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

Chronic Low Back Pain Associated with Reduced Parasympathetic Activity

Adults with chronic low back pain show reduced parasympathetic activity compared to pain-free controls, supporting the link between chronic pain and autonomic dysfunction.

Chronic Pain & Fatigue HRV & Health
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Sensors 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

Combined HRV Index Tracks Fibromyalgia Severity

A novel combined HRV index incorporating both linear and nonlinear measures effectively tracks fibromyalgia impairment and pain intensity, enabling better monitoring of autonomic dysfunction in chronic pain.

Chronic Pain & Fatigue Measurement Accuracy
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Respiratory Medicine 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

Largest Study Links HRV to Lung Function

The largest analysis of HRV and lung function to date found significant associations between HRV measures and both lung function and self-reported lung disease, confirming smaller prior studies.

HRV & Respiratory HRV & Health
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Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

HRV Shows Promise for COPD-Sleep Apnea Overlap Diagnosis

Comprehensive review finds HRV alterations more pronounced in patients with both COPD and sleep apnea (overlap syndrome), with wearable-derived HRV showing potential as a screening tool.

HRV & Respiratory HRV & Sleep
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npj Digital Medicine 2025 NEW Evidence: Works

New HRV Metric Tracks Menstrual Cycle Health

Researchers developed a new metric called "cardiovascular amplitude" that tracks HRV changes across the menstrual cycle, enabling non-invasive monitoring of hormonal fluctuations and reproductive health.

Women's Health Measurement Accuracy
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Browse by Topic

Explore research in specific areas

HRV & Sleep

Research on how sleep quality and duration affect heart rate variability

13 studies

HRV & Exercise

Studies on training adaptation, recovery, and athletic performance

17 studies

HRV & Stress

Research on stress response, anxiety, and mental load

14 studies

HRV & Nutrition

Studies on diet, supplements, and their effects on HRV

8 studies

HRV & Aging

Research on age-related changes and longevity markers

8 studies

HRV & Health

Clinical studies on disease risk and health outcomes

48 studies

Measurement Accuracy

Research on device accuracy, methods, and standardization

12 studies

HRV Interventions

Studies on breathing, biofeedback, cold exposure, and other techniques

22 studies

HRV & Mental Health

Research on depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, and psychological well-being

9 studies

HRV in Children

Studies on HRV in youth, including ADHD, autism, and adolescent health

9 studies

Women's Health

Research on menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy, and hormonal influences on HRV

8 studies

HRV & Respiratory

Studies on COPD, asthma, and respiratory conditions affecting autonomic function

6 studies

Chronic Pain & Fatigue

Research on fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, migraine, and chronic pain conditions

7 studies

HRV & Brain Health

Studies on Parkinson's, concussion recovery, cognitive function, and neurological conditions

7 studies

Addiction & Recovery

Research on substance use disorders, smoking, and HRV-based recovery interventions

6 studies

Tactical Performance

Studies on military, first responders, and tactical athlete performance optimization

6 studies

Environmental Factors

Research on altitude, heat, cold, and environmental influences on HRV

7 studies

Surgical Recovery

Studies on post-operative HRV changes and cardiac rehabilitation

4 studies

About This Page

We summarize peer-reviewed research on heart rate variability in plain language. Each summary includes the key findings, practical takeaways, and a link to the original paper. We update this page regularly as new research is published.

Note: These summaries are for educational purposes. Individual studies have limitations, and science evolves. For medical decisions, consult a healthcare provider.