Heart rate variability biofeedback for GNR officer stress and burnout
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in Distress Regulation and Burnout Prevention Among Security Forces
This project will try a 12-session heart rate variability biofeedback program to reduce distress and burnout and improve psychological well-being in Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) personnel.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Setúbal) |
| Trial ID | NCT07386951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This exploratory interventional project delivers a 12-session heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BFB) protocol to operational members of the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR). Participants receive initial in-person guidance at the Setúbal command center and then complete autonomously guided sessions via an app, practicing resonance-frequency breathing (~6 breaths per minute) with real-time HRV feedback. The protocol targets increased HRV amplitude, cardiac coherence, and baroreflex strength to improve autonomic regulation and emotional self-regulation. Outcomes include measures of psychological distress, burnout, and multidimensional well-being.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Operational GNR personnel aged 18–55 who are on active duty, can consent in Portuguese, and are not on psychotropic medication or extended sick leave are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Those on recent psychotropic medication, on extended medical leave, under serious disciplinary proceedings, or with severe psychiatric conditions are excluded and may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower distress and burnout symptoms and strengthen emotional regulation and resilience among GNR personnel using a portable, self-administered tool.
How similar studies have performed: Prior randomized and uncontrolled studies and meta-analyses of HRV biofeedback have shown reductions in stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout, but evidence specific to security forces remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Operational military personnel of the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR) performing security, patrol, criminal investigation, or road safety duties 2. Any military rank or professional category within operational roles 3. Age between 18 and 55 years, inclusive 4. Both males and females 5. Capable of providing informed consent in Portuguese language Exclusion Criteria: 1. Extended sick leave or medical absence 2. Currently involved in serious disciplinary proceedings 3. Use, modification, or initiation of psychotropic medication (including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers) within the past 6 months
Where this trial is running
Setúbal
- GNR - Comando Terrritorial de Setúbal (GNR - Setubal Territorial Command Centre) — Setúbal, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paulo Chaló, PhD
- Email: pchalo@egasmoniz.edu.pt
- Phone: (+351) 212 946 700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.