Leveraging Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability as an Actionable, Noninvasive Biomarker for Self-Regulation: Assessment, Intervention, and Evaluation

Abstract

This contribution highlights the significance of using vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV), a general indicator of adaptation, as an actionable biomarker to assess and enhance self-regulation abilities in individuals and organizations. The paper reviews the state-of-the-art on vmHRV and introduces various techniques to enhance vmHRV, including slow-paced breathing, the diving reflex, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The recommendations for policymaking are based on recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to the implementation of these techniques in diverse settings, such as clinical, organizational, and educational contexts. The discussion emphasizes the efficacy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of vmHRV assessments and offers practical tools for individuals and organizations through a three-part framework—assessment, intervention, and evaluation—ultimately fostering self-regulation abilities at both individual and societal levels.