The Institute of HeartMath Research Center is engaged in ongoing research to explore a wide range of subjects, from stress and emotional management, to neurocardiology and the physiology of learning and performance. Past and present IHM research projects include clinical, workplace and organizational intervention and treatment outcome studies in such areas as psychophysiology, biophysics, music, heart-brain interactions, emotional physiology, emotional energetics, heart-rate variability and autonomic function. IHM is a recognized leader of research in these and other areas and is expanding its interest in the human biofield, intuition and the interactions between the earth’s magnetic fields and human emotional energetics.
Presented here are brief descriptions of a sampling of studies in progress at the HeartMath Research Center as well as collaborative studies and a wide range of independent studies being conducted at various universities and research centers, both domestically and internationality. The examples of independent studies involve the use of HeartMath tools and technologies that are of particular interest to the institute and which we hope will be of interest to you.
HeartMath’s research forms the foundation for the development of practical, scientifically validated emotional refocusing and repatterning technologies that enable people to significantly improve their health and vitality, performance and quality of life.
The IHM Research Center is committed to increasing the world’s body of scientific knowledge and promoting heart--based living and global coherence – the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the greater community of human beings.
Research in Progress
Using HeartMath Technology to Improve Creativity, Entrepreneurship Skills and Higher Intelligence,
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fla.
This research aims to increase functional intelligence and creative uses of intelligence for inventions and entrepreneurial planning. This study also will test the efficacy of a novel teaching method, using the emWave® technology, for improving aeronautical students’ scores on various creativity tests and scores on cognitive performance tests, as well as grade-point average for all classes. In particular, this intervention will be introduced to students enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s "Creative Intelligence" class, with emphasis on developing inventions for coping with global and humanitarian concerns such as the global climate crisis.
Stability of Pre-Stimulus Intuition Response: A Repeated Measures Study Using Electrophysiological Instrumentation,
HeartMath Research Center
This study, which is being conducted at the HeartMath research Center, examines the stability of the heart and body’s intuitive response in eight trials over several months. Researchers must know the potential variability in physiological measures so they can design studies that investigate and quantify the ability of people to increase their access to intuitive information.
The Efficacy of the HeartMath Stress Reduction Program in Reducing Health Risks and Health Care Costs: An Evaluation Study,
HeartMath Research Center in collaboration with the Reformed Church of America
IHM and the Reformed Church of America are examining the impact of the HeartMath phone-based coaching program, along with use of the emWave® Personal Stress Reliever, in reducing health risk factors and the need for healthcare services. In addition to traditional health risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, etc., this study also is utilizing the newly developed HeartMath Stress and Well-Being Survey™, which assesses different types of stress people experience, so we can better assess the impact of stress both on the need for healthcare and the costs associated with that care.
The Efficacy of the HeartMath Stress Reduction Program in Reducing Stress and Improving Hormonal Health and Well-Being: An Evaluation Study of University Employees,
Arizona State University
This randomized, controlled study is assessing the impact of the HeartMath Transforming Stress Program on a wide range of hormones and neurotransmitters associated with changes in stress, resiliency and positive emotions in a group of highly stressed university employees. We predict that the intervention group will show a resetting of the neuroendocrine axis as evidenced by decreased cortisol responses to acute lab stressors, improved heart-rate variability, psychological well-being, cognition and performance, and decreased physical complaints.
Global Coherence Monitoring System
The HeartMath Research Center and astrophysicist and nuclear scientist Elizabeth Rauscher are partnering to design, build and implement a global system to detect and measure and explore fluctuations in the magnetic fields generated by the earth and ionosphere.
Among the project’s goals are determining whether the earth’s field is influenced by collective human emotionality and the degree to which human heart and brain activity and mass behavioral and health indicators such as heart-attack rates are influenced by changes in the earth’s magnetic fields.
We also will conduct research to confirm previous observations that changes in the earth’s magnetic fields precede and thus can be used to predict earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other large-scale planetary events. Go to The Global Coherence Monitoring System.
An Evaluation of HeartMath’s Transforming Stress Intervention on Wellness and Employee Well-being,
HeartMath Research Center in collaboration with the Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Ohio
This study is exploring the impact of the Transforming Stress Intervention on employees and the organizational climate at Fairfield Medical Center. We will evaluate relationships between the HeartMath programs on stress and well-being, staff turnover, absenteeism and sick leave, employee satisfaction, accidents, patient satisfaction, medical errors, workers’ compensation claims and healthcare utilization.
Evaluation of Changes in Natural Heart Rhythm Coherence Levels with Age and Educational Environment,
HeartMath Research Center in collaboration with the Fairfield Medical Center, Lancaster, Ohio
A collaborative multisite study by the HeartMath Research Center and the School of Education at La Sierra University – This study is examining changes in natural baseline levels of heart-rhythm coherence in kindergarten through fifth-grade students in three different school environments. The study will compare students in private (Waldorf) and public rural and urban schools. In addition to assessing baseline coherence levels, the study also will examine the relationship between heart-rate variability variables and behavioral measures.
Independent Research Studies In Progress
In addition to long-term collaborative relationships with numerous universities and research institutions, the HeartMath Research Center encourages independent studies. The following list is a sampling of independent studies currently in progress that are investigating the application of HeartMath interventions and/or technologies in various populations.
Effects of HeartMath Intervention and Technologies on Improving Outcomes in Homeless Vietnam Veterans With Substance Abuse, Department of Veterans Affairs,
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Researchers at the Menlo Park Division of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System are conducting a research study with four randomized treatment groups enrolled in emotion self-regulation classes. The HeartMath intervention will be introduced to two of the groups, with two treatment-as-usual control groups. The homeless Vietnam veterans involved in the study have a wide range of psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress syndrome and substance-abuse, which are the most common chronic conditions affecting this population.
A Single Center Study Of the Effects of Heart Rhythm Coherence Training in Subjects Presenting to a Cardiology Clinic,
Prairie Cardiovascular Consultants, Springfield, Ill.
This clinical trial is a randomized, controlled study in patients that present to a cardiology clinic specializing in congestive heart failure for treatment. Participants who are randomized to the treatment group will be taught the Quick Coherence® technique and be scheduled for heart-rhythm coherence practice using the emWave PC/Mac technology over a 24-week period. Outcome measures include functional capacity – a six-minute walk – depression, anxiety index, stress and well-being and heart-rate variability. Expected outcomes include: decreased hypertension and frequency and/or intensity of chest pain, less shortness of breath, decreased need for hypertension medication and increased heart-rhythm coherence, improved medication and physical activity compliance.
Effects of HeartMath Emotional Refocusing Skills on Increasing Math Proficiency of Remedial Students,
California State University, Fresno
Faculty in the math department at CSU Fresno are collaborating on a study to evaluate the efficacy of a HeartMath program designed to address the stress and other emotional barriers that impact learning college math skills. The study involves about 100 math students whose skills fall below established entry-level skills for college proficiency standards. Students will learn the basic science and HeartMath tools and heart-rhythm coherence training with the emWave® PC/Mac Stress Relief System and emWave® Personal Stress Reliever.
HeartMath: A New Intervention for ADHD,
University of Northampton, Northampton, England
This study is assessing the impact of HeartMath tools and coherence training on 38 children who have a DSM-IV clinical diagnosis of ADHD, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Expected outcomes include increased cognitive performance as measured by the comprehensive Cognitive Drug Research test battery and improved behaviors at school and home. Questionnaire data from teachers, parents and the students also are being collected.
Effects of Stress Management and Anxiety Reduction Training Using Heart Rate Variability on Pregnant Women and Their Fetuses in Utero,
University of North Texas
First-time mothers are being trained in this study on the use of HeartMath tools combined with heart-rhythm coherence feedback using the emWave® PSR. This research investigates potential correlations between fetal heart-rate-variability patterns and a mother’s heart rhythms and coherence levels. Other measures included in the study include Apgar scores and difficulty of labor.
Learning within a Prison Environment: Will Emotional Intelligence Training Benefit Female Inmates Participating in a Work-based Education Program?
Oregon State University; Corvallis, Ore.
This research with women in a prison environment introduces inmates to a training program using HeartMath tools and the emWave® technology. In addition to their participation in a vocational rehabilitation program, the participants learn HeartMath techniques and practice them in a group-based intervention. Intended outcomes are improved learning skills, emotional self-management and more harmonious relationships.
Diabetes Prevention and Weight Loss Study in Children,
St. John’s Mercy Hospital; Washington, Mo.
This study is focused on children who are at risk of developing diabetes. HeartMath tools and technologies are being used to help these children learn self-management skills. An estimated 200 children will be served over two years in the treatment phase of the research.
College Prep Math Readiness Program,
University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Batavia, Ohio
Over the past several years, faculty have been utilizing HeartMath’s emotional tools and technology as a key part of their "Tech Prep" program designed for remedial math students to prepare them for success in higher education. The approach has been so successful that they are now working with the local high schools to introduce the HeartMath program into math classes. This study is evaluating outcomes on test scores in 11th-grade math classes.
Performance and Coherence for Students using HRV Biofeedback,
Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
This dissertation research will investigate a comparison of guided relaxation imagery with heart-rhythm-coherence biofeedback. The participants in the study will be asked to compare their subjective impressions of the two types of interventions as well as measures of negative affect and social inhibition. Practical implementation issues of these different interventions will also be assessed.
The Implementation of the Stress Management Program for Cardiac Patients,
Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
This dissertation study will investigate the implementation of HeartMath’s stress-management program on cardiac patients’ recurrence rate of illnesses and hospitalization, and also will assess predictive biomarker variables such as heart rate, blood pressure and psychological conditions over two years.
The Effects of Heart Rhythm Biofeedback on the Athletic Performance of Women’s Collegiate Volleyball Players,
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, Calif.
This is a dissertation study evaluating the impact of HeartMath tools on the performance of Azusa Pacific’s women’s volleyball team. Fourteen players are receiving individual coaching on how to use the tools over six weeks. The expected outcomes include improved sports performance, improved ability to manage stress in other areas of their life and increased team cohesion during game play.
Evaluation of HeartMath and a Portable HRV Coherence Device in Reducing Anxiety Disorders in College Students,
James Madison University; Harrisonburg, Va.
Researchers at James Madison are examining the effectiveness of heart-rhythm coherence biofeedback training for anxious undergraduate students. About 300 students will be screened for anxiety. About 50 students with high anxiety will then be assigned randomly to a treatment group and 50 to a control group.
Correlations Between Physiological Indicators of Intuition and Measures of Personality and Creativity,
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto, Calif.
This dissertation study will examine the effects of heart-rhythm-coherence feedback training on the pre-stimulus response (PR), a physiological marker of intuition. PR is a physiological measure of a future event that often occurs without conscious awareness. This innovative study will be the first to test the effects of coherence training on intuition. The study will include qualitative analysis to generate themes and patterns representative of individual experiences.
Association of Attention and Immediate Memory Impairment with Heart Rate Variability in Combat Veterans with PTSD,
Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, S.C.
Forty-four percent of the soldiers in the outpatient population of the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC, return from active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The objective of this research is to demonstrate that application of HeartMath techniques will effectively reduce the physiological, cognitive, and psychological effects associated with PTSD. It is anticipated that this will improve the veterans’ ability to self-regulate adaptive responses, resulting in overall improvement in the adjustment to everyday stressors and a reduction in symptom severity.
The Effects of HeartMath and Nonviolent Communication Techniques on Anxiety, Stress, and Anger/Aggression in an Incarcerated Male Population,
Holos University Graduate Seminary, Lawrence, Kan.
This dissertation research aims to teach incarcerated male offenders new ways of dealing with conflict, not only to reduce recidivism but also to assist in day-to-day living while incarcerated. In this randomized clinical trial, HeartMath techniques will be combined with education on nonviolent communication skills. These interventions are designed to enhance the offender’s ability to self-regulate negative affect and learn new skills for relationship-building behavior that is a core practice of conflict management and peacemaking.
Correspondence between Psychometric Measures of Stress and Coping with Biofeedback Indicators of Heart Rate Variability,
Georgia State University, Atlanta
This research in the counseling center at Georgia State University aims to help college students cope with stress. This study will examine whether individuals with higher stress levels (trait anxiety) and lower coping resources show greater HRV than individuals with low stress levels (trait anxiety) and high coping resources. This study will provide a foundation for future studies that will investigate differential response to stress-reduction interventions as a function of coping resources.
Highlighted and Recently Completed Research
TestEdge® National Demonstration Study (TENDS),
by Institute of HeartMath staff, 2007
The HeartMath Research Center and Education Division conducted this study in the spring of 2005 with funding from the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the effectiveness of HeartMath’s TestEdge program at reducing stress and test anxiety and improving emotional well-being, quality of relationships and academic performance in public school students. View complete report.
Following are some of the TENDS results:
A significant reduction in test anxiety, with 75% of those who said they had test anxiety at the beginning of the study reporting reduced levels by the end of it.
Three-quarters of all classrooms showed significant reductions in text anxiety and this reduction also was observed throughout the academic ability spectrum – from low- to high test-performing classes.
There were large increases in state-mandated test scores, far exceeding academic targets for the year: Student proficiency grew from 26% to 47% in English-language arts; and from 60% to 71% in mathematics.
Most teachers reported positive changes in their students’ behavior
Most teachers said the program provided substantial benefits in both their professional and personal lives.
Highlighted Research
Science of The Heart: Exploring the Role of the Heart in Human Performance
For centuries, the heart has been considered the source of emotion, courage and wisdom. At the Institute of HeartMath (IHM) Research Center, we are exploring the physiological mechanisms by which the heart communicates with the brain, thereby influencing information processing, perceptions, emotions and health. This insightful, comprehensive monograph, provides fundamental and detailed summaries of many of IHM’s 19 years of innovative research. Among the questions we ask are: Why do people experience the feeling or sensation of love and other positive emotional states in the area of the heart and what are the physiological ramifications of these emotions? How do stress and different emotional states affect the autonomic nervous system, the hormonal and immune systems, the heart and brain?
Over the years we have experimented with different psychological and physiological measures, but it was consistently heart-rate variability, or heart rhythms,
that stood out as the most dynamic and reflective of inner emotional states and stress. View complete report.
Electrophysiological Evidence of Intuition: Part 1. The Surprising Role of the Heart,
by R. McCraty, M. Atkinson, R. T. Bradley – Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine/2004
Researchers set out to contribute to the scientific understanding of intuition – the process by which information normally outside the range of conscious awareness is perceived by the psychophysiological systems – and to replicate and extend the results of previous experiments demonstrating that the body can respond to an emotionally arousing stimulus seconds before it is actually experienced. The findings and conclusions are presented in two parts. The main findings in relation to the heart’s role in intuitive perception are presented in Part 1. View complete report.
Electrophysiological Evidence of Intuition: Part 2. A Systemwide Process?
by R. McCraty, M. Atkinson, R.T. Bradley – Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine/2004
Researchers set out to contribute to the scientific understanding of intuition – the process by which information normally outside the range of conscious awareness is perceived by the psychophysiological systems – and to replicate and extend the results of previous experiments demonstrating that the body can respond to an emotionally arousing stimulus seconds before it is actually experienced. The findings and conclusions are presented in two parts. Part 2 presents results indicating where in the brain intuitive information is processed and data showing that prestimulus information from the heart is communicated to the brain. It also presents evidence on whether either of the two sexes is more attuned to intuitive information from the heart.
View complete report.
Images of the Heart Brain
The "heart brain" is a topic of discussion in many circles today as people seek greater understanding of the relationship between the heart and mind and the intelligence and capabilities of the human heart. Now you can view pictures of the "cardiac ganglia," the area of the heart where HeartMath researchers believe this intelligence resides. These microscopic pictures also show the interconnectivity of the heart and the ganglia, which comprise groups of nerve cells. View Heart‑brain pictures.
The HeartMath System Improves Cognitive Efficiency and Behaviour (A New Treatment for ADHD) 2007 (In Press),
Lloyd, MA MEd, D. Brett BSc; Professor K. Wesnes PhD, Northampton University, Dr P. Mullins PhD., Liverpool John Moores University
The randomized controlled study undertaken by Lloyd et al to measure the potential benefits of HeartMath training on children with ADHD grew from pilot studies in 2004. The findings were so promising that a further scientifically robust study was undertaken. The results of the HeartMath ADHD study in England were significantly beyond what was expected. Findings indicate a 24% increase in immediate word recall; a 45% improvement in delayed word recall, a 28% improvement in word recognition and 9.5% improvement in digital vigilance,
suggesting that improvements in scores for cognitive functioning were not at the expense of speed. Moreover, questionnaire data from teachers indicated a 32% reduction in difficult behaviors after only six weeks. This was achieved in a sample of 38 children who have a DSM IV clinical diagnosis of ADHD. The findings offer a very strong case for funding research into the impact of the HeartMath techniques on a large sample of children who do not experience learning difficulty in order to establish the potential efficacy of HeartMath methods on cognitive functioning for the non-ADHD school population.
