Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41120676›Full record

SynthesisApplied psychophysiology and biofeedback2026

Bio-behavioral Interventions for Cardiovascular Diseases Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review on Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Nutrition.

Valeria Carola, Valeria Gigli, Filippo Cellucci, Marco Coli, Sofia Nicolais, Caterina Piras, Giovanni Melina, Cristina Ottaviani, Giampaolo Nicolais

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Applied psychophysiology and biofeedback, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Valeria CarolaDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185, Rome, Italy. valeria.carola@uniroma1.it.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1212-1454
Valeria GigliDepartment of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
Filippo CellucciDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
Marco ColiDepartment of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Giorgio Nicola Papanicolau, 00189, Rome, Italy.
Sofia NicolaisDepartment of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
Caterina PirasDepartment of Human Sciences and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Telematic University, Via di Val Cannuta, 247, 00166, Rome, Italy.
Giovanni MelinaDepartment of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Giorgio Nicola Papanicolau, 00189, Rome, Italy.
Cristina OttavianiDepartment of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi, 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
Giampaolo NicolaisDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185, Rome, Italy. giampaolo.nicolais@uniroma1.it.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4252-2299

Funding

Sapienza University of Rome RG123188B3B83313Sapienza University of Rome RM1221816C0BA26B
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading causes of premature mortality, disability, and reduced quality of life worldwide. While extensive literature has addressed cardiovascular risk and treatment, the role of noninvasive interventions in rehabilitation and secondary prevention remains less well defined. Among these, heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBF) and cardioprotective dietary approaches have shown preventive benefits, yet their effectiveness in patients with established CVD or those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation is not fully established. This review systematically evaluates the evidence for HRVBF and heart-healthy dietary patterns in relapse prevention and rehabilitation, with particular attention to hospital-based contexts. Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in Scopus and PubMed. Results suggest that HRVBF may enhance autonomic regulation, alleviate psychological distress, and shorten hospital stays. Dietary interventions, particularly those emphasizing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Mediterranean-style patterns, demonstrate potential to reduce inflammation and modulate cardiovascular risk markers. Nevertheless, evidence supporting their integration into postoperative rehabilitation or treatment of established CVD remains limited. Heterogeneity in study designs and lack of standardization further constrain generalizability. Overall, the findings underscore the promise of early, noninvasive, and integrative rehabilitation strategies, highlighting the need for structured protocols in clinical settings, particularly during the immediate postoperative phase or after acute cardiac events.

Indexed as

Biofeedback, PsychologyCardiac RehabilitationCardiovascular DiseasesHeart RateHumansCardiovascular diseaseHeart rate variability biofeedbackNutritionPreventionRehabilitation

Identifiers

PMID41120676
PMCPMC13179278

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.