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HERO ID
3980498
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Inhalation/Exhalation ratio modulates the effect of slow breathing on heart rate variability and relaxation
Author(s)
Van Diest, I; Verstappen, K; Aubert, AE; Widjaja, D; Vansteenwegen, D; Vlemincx, E
Year
2014
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
ISSN:
1090-0586
EISSN:
1573-3270
Volume
39
Issue
3-4
Page Numbers
171-180
Language
English
PMID
25156003
DOI
10.1007/s10484-014-9253-x
Abstract
Slow breathing is widely applied to improve symptoms of hyperarousal, but it is unknown whether its beneficial effects relate to the reduction in respiration rate per se, or, to a lower inhalation/exhalation (i/e) ratio. The present study examined the effects of four ventilatory patterns on heart rate variability and self-reported dimensions of relaxation. Thirty participants were instructed to breathe at 6 or 12 breaths/min, and with an i/e ratio of 0.42 or 2.33. Participants reported increased relaxation, stress reduction, mindfulness and positive energy when breathing with the low compared to the high i/e ratio. A lower compared to a higher respiration rate was associated only with an increased score on positive energy. A low i/e ratio was also associated with more power in the high frequency component of heart rate variability, but only for the slow breathing pattern. Our results show that i/e ratio is an important modulator for the autonomic and subjective effects of instructed ventilatory patterns.
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Exposure Factors Handbook (Post 2011)
Pubmed (August 2017)
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