Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
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Fibromyalgia (FM) is associated with debilitating pain and a reduced heart rate variability (HRV), reflecting decreased emotional adaptability and resistance to stress. Common pharmacological treatments are ineffective, and opioids are highly addictive and cause an estimated 15,000 overdose deaths per year. Effective recommendations include patient-centered interventions like physical activity, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback. Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) may be effective in improving HRV, thus increasing stress resistance and emotional adaptability and reducing pain. ⋯ The reviewed studies had methodological flaws. However, HRVB is a promising treatment for chronic pain. Larger, randomized controlled studies are needed to thoroughly evaluate the relationship between HRVB and FM pain.