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Heart rate variability biofeedback in a global study of the most common coherence frequencies and the impact of emotional states

S. Balaji,Nachum Plonka,Mike Atkinson,Malathy Muthu,M. Ragulskis,A. Vainoras,R. McCraty

Published 2025 in Scientific Reports

ABSTRACT

This global study analyzed data from the largest dataset ever studied in the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback field, comprising 1.8 million user sessions collected from users of a mobile app during 2019 and 2020. We focused on HRV Coherence, which is linked to improved emotional stability and cognitive function. Positive emotions reported by users were associated with higher Coherence scores and more stable HRV frequencies. In contrast, negative emotions exhibited lower scores and more dispersed frequency distributions. The most common frequency associated with Coherence was identified at 0.10 Hz. However, many users with the highest levels of Coherence fell within a lower range from 0.04 to 0.10 Hz. Most users exhibited high stability (standard deviation < 0.012 Hz) in their coherence frequencies from session to session, and their stability within a given session increased with increasing Coherence. The insights gained from this extensive dataset suggest that by instructing users to breathe deeper and slower and find a rhythm that’s comfortable, they naturally find their unique resonant frequency. The findings provide a strong foundation for future research and the development of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing emotional and physiological well-being through HRV biofeedback and coherence practices.

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