Heart-rate biofeedback and coping skills to help teens with IBD feel less stressed
A Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Enhanced Behavioral Intervention to Improve Psychological and Disease Functioning in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
This program teaches teens and young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis breathing and heart‑rate biofeedback skills to lower stress, improve mood, and support gut health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a virtual, group-based program led by clinicians that combines heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback with coping skills training. Participants learn paced breathing and use simple biofeedback tools to see and change their body's stress responses. The project randomly assigns some people to start right away and others to a waitlist so researchers can compare outcomes. The team measures HRV, anxiety and depression symptoms, and IBD disease functioning over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Teens and young adults diagnosed with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who can join virtual group sessions and practice breathing and biofeedback exercises are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe uncontrolled IBD flares, major cognitive or sensory impairments that prevent participation, or who cannot access or use telehealth may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce anxiety and depression and help improve IBD symptoms and quality of life for young people.
How similar studies have performed: Prior feasibility work by this team found HRV biofeedback acceptable and showed preliminary benefits in youth with IBD, but a larger randomized trial is needed.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reed, Bonney — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Reed, Bonney
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.