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Sharma P, Scheffer K, Louis M, Aitken CR, Adams L, Morris NR. Effect of experimental modulation of mood on exertional dyspnoea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respirology 2024; 29:201-208. [PMID: 38044806 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Dyspnoea is a debilitating symptom in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a range of other chronic cardiopulmonary diseases and is often associated with anxiety and depression. The present study examined the effect of visually-induced mood shifts on exertional dyspnoea in individuals with COPD. METHODS Following familiarization, 20 participants with mild to severe COPD (age 57-79 years) attended three experimental sessions on separate days, performing two 5-min treadmill exercise tests separated by a 30-min interval on each day. During each exercise test, participants viewed either a positive, negative or neutral set of images sourced from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and rated dyspnoea or leg fatigue (0-10). Heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) were measured at 1-min intervals during each test. Mood valence ratings were obtained using Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) scale (1-9). RESULTS Mood valence ratings were significantly higher when viewing positive (end-exercise mean ± SEM = 7.6 ± 0.3) compared to negative IAPS images (2.4 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Dyspnoea intensity (mean ± SEM = 5.8 ± 0.4) and dyspnoea unpleasantness (5.6 ± 0.3) when viewing negative images were significantly higher compared to positive images (4.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.004 and 3.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.003). Eighty-five percent of participants (n = 17) met the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) criteria for both dyspnoea intensity and unpleasantness. HR, SpO2 and leg fatigue did not differ significantly between conditions. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that the negative affective state worsens dyspnoea in COPD, thereby suggesting strategies aimed at reducing the likelihood of negative mood or improving the mood may be effective in managing morbidity associated with dyspnoea in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Sharma
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- The Prince Charles Hospital, Allied Health Research Collaborative, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karlijn Scheffer
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Menaka Louis
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig R Aitken
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- The Prince Charles Hospital, Allied Health Research Collaborative, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lewis Adams
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Norman R Morris
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- The Prince Charles Hospital, Allied Health Research Collaborative, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Lalanza JF, Lorente S, Bullich R, García C, Losilla JM, Capdevila L. Methods for Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB): A Systematic Review and Guidelines. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2023; 48:275-297. [PMID: 36917418 PMCID: PMC10412682 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-023-09582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) has been widely used to improve cardiovascular health and well-being. HRVB is based on breathing at an individual's resonance frequency, which stimulates respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and the baroreflex. There is, however, no methodological consensus on how to apply HRVB, while details about the protocol used are often not well reported. Thus, the objectives of this systematic review are to describe the different HRVB protocols and detect methodological concerns. PsycINFO, CINALH, Medline and Web of Science were searched between 2000 and April 2021. Data extraction and quality assessment were based on PRISMA guidelines. A total of 143 studies were finally included from any scientific field and any type of sample. Three protocols for HRVB were found: (i) "Optimal RF" (n = 37), each participant breathes at their previously detected RF; (ii) "Individual RF" (n = 48), each participant follows a biofeedback device that shows the optimal breathing rate based on cardiovascular data in real time, and (iii) "Preset-pace RF" (n = 51), all participants breathe at the same rate rate, usually 6 breaths/minute. In addition, we found several methodological differences for applying HRVB in terms of number of weeks, duration of breathing or combination of laboratory and home sessions. Remarkably, almost 2/3 of the studies did not report enough information to replicate the HRVB protocol in terms of breathing duration, inhalation/exhalation ratio, breathing control or body position. Methodological guidelines and a checklist are proposed to enhance the methodological quality of future HRVB studies and increase the information reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume F Lalanza
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sonia Lorente
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Pediatric Area, Hospital de Terrassa, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Raimon Bullich
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carlos García
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep-Maria Losilla
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lluis Capdevila
- Department of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Sport Research Institute UAB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Departament of Basic Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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3
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Single Slow-Paced Breathing Session at Six Cycles per Minute: Investigation of Dose-Response Relationship on Cardiac Vagal Activity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312478. [PMID: 34886206 PMCID: PMC8656666 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The practice of slow-paced breathing (SPB) has been linked to a range of positive outcomes, such as decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as increasing well-being. Among the suggested mechanisms of action, SPB has been shown to increase cardiac vagal activity (CVA). The present study aimed to investigate whether there is a dose-response relationship modulating the effects of SPB on CVA. A total of 59 participants were involved in this study. In a within-subject design, participants attended the lab five times, and realized SPB at six cycles per minute with different durations (5, 10, 15, and 20 min), as well as a control condition without SPB. CVA was indexed via the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). During SPB, findings showed an increase in RMSSD in all conditions compared to the control condition. However, no differences were found in RMSSD among the different session durations, during SPB or during the resting measurement completed immediately after SPB. Noteworthily, session duration showed an influence on the spontaneous respiratory frequency in the resting measurement occurring immediately after SPB. Specifically, respiratory frequency appears to decrease with session duration, thus potentially contributing to additional relaxing effects.
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4
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Laborde S, Allen MS, Borges U, Iskra M, Zammit N, You M, Hosang T, Mosley E, Dosseville F. Psychophysiological effects of slow-paced breathing at six cycles per minute with or without heart rate variability biofeedback. Psychophysiology 2021; 59:e13952. [PMID: 34633670 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, referring to slow-paced breathing (SPB) realized while visualizing a heart rate, HRV, and/or respiratory signal, has become an adjunct treatment for a large range of psychologic and medical conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of HRV biofeedback still need to be uncovered. This study aimed to disentangle the specific effects of HRV biofeedback from the effects of SPB realized alone. In total, 112 participants took part in the study. The parameters assessed were emotional (valence, arousal, and control) and perceived stress intensity as self-report variables and the root mean square of the successive differences (RMSSD) as a physiologic variable. A main effect of condition was found for emotional valence only, valence being more positive overall in the SPB-HRVB condition. A main effect of time was observed for all dependent variables. However, no main effects for the condition or time x condition interaction effects were observed. Results showed that for PRE and POST comparisons (referring, respectively, to before and after SPB), both SPB-HRVB and SPB-NoHRVB conditions resulted in a more negative emotional valence, lower emotional arousal, higher emotional control, and higher RMSSD. Future research might investigate psychophysiological differences between SPB-HRVB and SPB-NoHRVB across different time periods (e.g., long-term interventions), and in response to diverse psychophysiological stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Normandie Université, UFR STAPS, EA 4260 CESAMS, Caen, France
| | - Mark S Allen
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Uirassu Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Health & Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maša Iskra
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nina Zammit
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Min You
- Normandie Université, UFR Psychologie, EA3918 CERREV, Caen, France
| | - Thomas Hosang
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Emma Mosley
- Department of Sport Science and Performance, School of Sport, Health and Social Science, Solent University Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Fabrice Dosseville
- Normandie Université, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France.,INSERM, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France
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5
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Slow-Paced Breathing: Influence of Inhalation/Exhalation Ratio and of Respiratory Pauses on Cardiac Vagal Activity. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13147775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Slow-paced breathing has been shown to enhance the self-regulation abilities of athletes via its influence on cardiac vagal activity. However, the role of certain respiratory parameters (i.e., inhalation/exhalation ratio and presence of a respiratory pause between respiratory phases) still needs to be clarified. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the influence of these respiratory parameters on the effects of slow-paced breathing on cardiac vagal activity. A total of 64 athletes (27 female; Mage = 22, age range = 18–30 years old) participated in a within-subject experimental design. Participants performed six breathing conditions within one session, with a 5 min washout period between each condition. Each condition lasted 5 min, with 30 respiratory cycles, and each respiratory cycle lasted 10 s (six cycles per minute), with inhalation/exhalation ratios of 0.8, 1.0, 1.2; and with or without respiratory pauses (0.4 s) between respiratory phases. Results indicated that the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), a marker of cardiac vagal activity, was higher when exhalation was longer than inhalation. The presence of a brief (0.4 s) post-inhalation and post-exhalation respiratory pause did not further influence RMSSD. Athletes practicing slow-paced breathing are recommended to use an inhalation/exhalation ratio in which the exhalation phase is longer than the inhalation phase.
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6
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You M, Laborde S, Zammit N, Iskra M, Borges U, Dosseville F, Vaughan RS. Emotional Intelligence Training: Influence of a Brief Slow-Paced Breathing Exercise on Psychophysiological Variables Linked to Emotion Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126630. [PMID: 34203020 PMCID: PMC8296389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Designing emotional intelligence training programs requires first testing the effectiveness of techniques targeting its main dimensions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a brief slow-paced breathing (SPB) exercise on psychophysiological variables linked to emotion regulation, namely cardiac vagal activity (CVA), as well as perceived stress intensity, emotional arousal, and emotional valence. A total of 61 participants completed a 5-min SPB exercise and a control condition of a 5-min rest measurement. CVA was indexed with the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Participants were also asked to rate their perceived stress intensity, emotional arousal, and emotional valence. Results showed that CVA was higher during SPB in comparison to the control condition. Contrary to our hypothesis, perceived stress intensity and emotional arousal increased after SPB, and perceived emotional valence was less positive after SPB. This could be explained by experiencing dyspnea (i.e., breathing discomfort), and the need to get acclimatized to SPB. Consequently, we may conclude that although physiological benefits of SPB on CVA are immediate, training may be required in order to perceive psychological benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min You
- UFR Psychologie, EA3918 CERREV, Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France;
| | - Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (N.Z.); (M.I.); (U.B.)
- UFR STAPS, EA 4260 CESAMS, Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-221-49-82-57-01
| | - Nina Zammit
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (N.Z.); (M.I.); (U.B.)
| | - Maša Iskra
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (N.Z.); (M.I.); (U.B.)
| | - Uirassu Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (N.Z.); (M.I.); (U.B.)
- Department of Health & Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabrice Dosseville
- UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Normandie Université, 14000 Caen, France;
- INSERM, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Robert S. Vaughan
- School of Education, Language, and Psychology, York St John University, York YO31 7EX, UK;
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Borges U, Lobinger B, Javelle F, Watson M, Mosley E, Laborde S. Using Slow-Paced Breathing to Foster Endurance, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality in Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:624655. [PMID: 34054642 PMCID: PMC8155704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been causing major disruptions in the sporting world. Negative physiological and psychological effects on athletes have been reported, such as respiratory issues and increased stress. Therefore, it is timely to support this population by presenting cost-effective and accessible intervention techniques to reduce this impact. Slow-paced breathing (SPB) has the potential to counteract many of the detrimental effects of COVID-19 that can directly affect sports performance. In this article, we present and justify the use of SPB in athletes by focusing on three key outcomes, namely aerobic endurance performance, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. We examine the physiological mechanisms that underpin these three outcomes and review literature showing that SPB can activate anti-inflammatory pathways, increase lung capacity and, in turn, improve aerobic endurance, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. We conclude that interventions using SPB can have preventive and rehabilitative properties for athletes. Future studies should empirically test the potential of SPB to help this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uirassu Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Social and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Babett Lobinger
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Javelle
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthew Watson
- Department of Social and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emma Mosley
- Department of Sport Science and Performance, Solent University, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- UFR STAPS, Université de Caen Normandie, Caen, France
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8
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Laborde S, Allen MS, Borges U, Hosang TJ, Furley P, Mosley E, Dosseville F. The Influence of Slow-Paced Breathing on Executive Function. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. The aim of this experiment was to test the immediate effects of slow-paced breathing on executive function. Slow-paced breathing is suggested to increase cardiac vagal activity, and the neurovisceral integration model predicts that higher cardiac vagal activity leads to better executive functioning. In total, 78 participants (41 men, 37 women; Mage = 23.22 years) took part in two counterbalanced experimental conditions: a 3 × 5 min slow-paced breathing condition and a television viewing control condition. After each condition, heart rate variability was measured and participants performed three executive function tasks: the color-word match Stroop (inhibition), the automated operation span task (working memory), and the modified card sorting task (cognitive flexibility). Results showed that performance on executive function tasks was better after slow-paced breathing compared to control, with higher scores observed for Stroop interference accuracy, automated operation span score, and perseverative errors, but not Stroop interference reaction times. This difference in executive function between experimental conditions was not mediated by cardiac vagal activity. Therefore, findings only partially align with predictions of the neurovisceral integration model. Slow-paced breathing appears a promising technique to improve immediate executive function performance. Further studies are recommended that address possible alternative underlying mechanisms and long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
- UFR STAPS, EA 4260 CESAMS, University of Caen Normandy, Caen, France
| | - M. S. Allen
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - U. Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
- Department of Health & Social Psychology, Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
| | - T. J. Hosang
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P. Furley
- Institute for Training and Computer Science in Sport, German Sport University Cologne, Germany
| | - E. Mosley
- Department of Sport Science and Performance, Solent University, Southampton, UK
| | - F. Dosseville
- UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France
- INSERM, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, University of Caen Normandy, Caen, France
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9
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Steffen PR, Bartlett D, Channell RM, Jackman K, Cressman M, Bills J, Pescatello M. Integrating Breathing Techniques Into Psychotherapy to Improve HRV: Which Approach Is Best? Front Psychol 2021; 12:624254. [PMID: 33658964 PMCID: PMC7917055 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Approaches to improve heart rate variability and reduce stress such as breathing retraining are more frequently being integrated into psychotherapy but little research on their effectiveness has been done to date. Specifically, no studies to date have directly compared using a breathing pacer at 6 breaths per minute with compassion focused soothing rhythm breathing. Current Study In this randomized controlled experiment, 6 breaths per minute breathing using a pacer was compared with compassion focused soothing rhythm breathing, with a nature video being used as a control group condition. Methods Heart rate variability (HRV) measures were assessed via electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration belt, and an automated blood pressure machine was used to measure systolic diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (HR). A total of 96 participants were randomized into the three conditions. Following a 5-min baseline, participants engaged in either 6 breath per minute breathing, soothing rhythm breathing, or watched a nature video for 10 min. To induce a stressful state, participants then wrote for 5 min about a time they felt intensely self-critical. Participants then wrote for 5 min about a time they felt self-compassionate, and the experiment ended with a 10-min recovery period. Results Conditions did not significantly differ at baseline. Overall, HRV, as measured by standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low frequency HRV (LF HRV), and LF/HF ratio, increased during the intervention period, decreased during self-critical writing, and then returned to baseline levels during the recovery period. High frequency HRV (HF HRV) was not impacted by any of the interventions. The participants in the 6 breath per minute pacer condition were unable to consistently breathe at that rate and averaged about 12 breaths per minute. Time by Condition analyses revealed that both the 6 breaths per minute pacer and soothing breathing rhythm conditions lead to significantly higher SDNN than the nature video condition during breathing practice but there were no significant differences between conditions in response to the self-critical and self-compassionate writing or recovery periods. The 6 breath per minute pacer condition demonstrated a higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio than the soothing rhythm breathing condition, and both intervention conditions had a higher LF HRV and LF/HF ratio than the nature video. Conclusions Although the 6 breath per minute pacer condition participants were not able to breath consistently at the low pace, both the participants attempting to breathe at 6 breaths per minute as well as those in the soothing rhythm breathing condition effectively increased HR variability as measured by SDNN, and attempting to breathe at 6 breaths per minute led to the highest LF HRV and LF/HF ratio. Both breathing approaches impacted HRV more than watching a relaxing nature video and can potentially be used as key adjuncts in psychotherapy to aid in regulating physiological functioning, although it appears that consistent breathing practice would be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R Steffen
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Derek Bartlett
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | | | - Katelyn Jackman
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Mikel Cressman
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - John Bills
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
| | - Meredith Pescatello
- Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, United States
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10
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Gholamrezaei A, Van Diest I, Aziz Q, Vlaeyen JWS, Van Oudenhove L. Psychophysiological responses to various slow, deep breathing techniques. Psychophysiology 2020; 58:e13712. [PMID: 33111377 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Deep breathing exercises are commonly used for several health conditions including pain and hypertension. Various techniques are available to practice deep breathing, whereas possible differential psychophysiological effects have not been investigated. We compared four deep breathing techniques and examined outcomes in blood pressure variability, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, baroreflex function, and emotional state. Healthy adult volunteers performed pursed-lips breathing, left and right unilateral nostril breathing, and deep breathing with an inspiratory threshold load (loaded breathing), all at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (i.e., controlled breathing) and for three minutes each. Results showed that blood pressure variability was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed-lips breathing versus left and right unilateral nostril breathing. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was higher during loaded breathing versus other conditions and higher during pursed-lips breathing versus left unilateral nostril breathing. The effect of breathing condition on respiratory sinus arrhythmia was mediated by alterations in blood pressure variability. There was no difference between the breathing conditions in baroreflex sensitivity or effectiveness. Participants rated pursed-lips breathing as more calming and pleasant and with more sense of control (vs. other conditions). Overall, among the four tested deep breathing techniques, loaded breathing was associated with enhanced cardiovascular effects and pursed-lips breathing with better emotional responses, while also enhancing cardiovascular effects (albeit less than loaded breathing). These findings can be informative in applying deep breathing techniques as self-management interventions for health conditions, in which baroreceptors stimulation and autonomic and emotional modulations can be beneficial, such as pain and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Gholamrezaei
- Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Van Diest
- Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Qasim Aziz
- Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroeneterology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Johan W S Vlaeyen
- Research Group Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Experimental Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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An Anti-hyperventilation Instruction Decreases the Drop in End-tidal CO 2 and Symptoms of Hyperventilation During Breathing at 0.1 Hz. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2020; 44:247-256. [PMID: 31065914 PMCID: PMC6685922 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-019-09438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breathing at a frequency of around 0.1 Hz is widely used in basic research and in applied psychophysiology because it strongly increases fluctuations in the cardiovascular system and affects psychological functioning. Volitional control of breathing often leads to hyperventilation among untrained individuals, which may produce aversive symptoms and alter the psychological and physiological effects of the paced breathing. The present study investigated the effectiveness of a brief anti-hyperventilation instruction during paced breathing at a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a group given an anti-hyperventilation instruction and a control group without such an instruction. The instruction asked participants to avoid excessively deep breathing and to breathe shallowly and naturally. Participants performed the breathing task for 10 min. Hyperventilation was measured by partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2); furthermore, symptoms of hyperventilation, feeling of air hunger, task difficulty, and affective state were measured by self-report. The results showed that paced breathing without instruction decreased PetCO2 by 5.21 mmHg and that the use of the anti-hyperventilation instruction reduced the drop in PetCO2 to 2.7 mmHg. Symptoms of hyperventilation were lower in the group with the anti-hyperventilation instruction. Neither the feeling of air hunger nor task difficulty were affected by the instruction. There were no significant effects of the instruction on affective state. The present study indicates that a brief anti-hyperventilation instruction may be used to decrease drop in PetCO2 and symptoms of hyperventilation during breathing at 0.1 Hz and that the instruction is well tolerated.
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A pilot randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of Islamic spiritual intervention and of breathing technique with heart rate variability feedback on anxiety, depression and psycho-physiologic coherence in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2020; 19:46. [PMID: 32817752 PMCID: PMC7425359 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-020-00296-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the effects of Islamic religious and breathing techniques with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback therapies on HRV and psycho-physiologic coherence (resonance frequency), depression and anxiety in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients. METHODS Sixty CABG patients were chosen and randomly assigned to religious, breathing techniques and control groups. The experimental groups received 8 weeks of treatments; a 2-h session with home works in each week. The control group received only their normal hospital interventions. The groups' depression, anxiety, HRV and psycho-physiologic coherence levels were assessed before and after the interventions by DASS-21 for depression and anxiety, and em-wave desktop software for HRV and psycho-physiologic coherence. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA with Bonferroni Comparison test and descriptive tests in SPSS software. RESULTS The findings showed that there were significant differences in psycho-physiologic coherence (HRV), depression and anxiety scores among the three groups in the post-tests. In fact, depression and anxiety were reduced more in the religious group, while psycho-physiologic coherence raised more in the breathing with the HRV feedback group. CONCLUSION The results showed that both Islamic religious and breathing techniques with HRV biofeedback therapies can be used in rehabilitation programs for CABG patients in clinics and hospitals.
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Blum J, Rockstroh C, Göritz AS. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Based on Slow-Paced Breathing With Immersive Virtual Reality Nature Scenery. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2172. [PMID: 31616353 PMCID: PMC6763967 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the benefits of using a virtual nature environment to administer immersive heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-BF) based on slow-paced breathing. We compared the virtual reality (VR)-based HRV-BF with a standard implementation in a randomized controlled experiment with 60 healthy employees. After a cognitive stress induction, the participants performed a single-session of HRV-BF before repeating the cognitive stressor task. VR-based versus standard HRV-BF was comparable in terms of biofeedback performance (cardiac coherence and cardiac vagal tone). However, the VR-based implementation buffered perceived stress in the subsequent stressor task, increased relaxation self-efficacy more, reduced mind wandering, helped participants focus on the present moment, and helped preserve attentional resources. Potential long-term effects and generalizability need to be assessed in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Blum
- Department of Occupational and Consumer Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Laborde S, Lentes T, Hosang TJ, Borges U, Mosley E, Dosseville F. Influence of Slow-Paced Breathing on Inhibition After Physical Exertion. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1923. [PMID: 31507488 PMCID: PMC6715106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This research aims to investigate whether slow-paced breathing (SPB) improves adaptation to psychological stress, and specifically inhibition, when it is performed before or after physical exertion (PE). According to the resonance model, SPB is expected to increase cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Further, according to the neurovisceral integration model, CVA is positively linked to executive cognitive performance, and would thus play a role in the adaptation to psychological stress. We hypothesized that SPB, in comparison to a control condition, will induce a better adaptation to psychological stress, measured via better inhibitory performance. Two within-subject experiments were conducted with athletes: in the first experiment (N = 60) SPB (or control – neutral TV documentary) was realized before PE (“relax before PE”), and in the second experiment (N = 60) SPB (or the watching TV control) was realized after PE (“relax after PE”). PE consisted of 5 min Burpees, a physical exercise involving the whole body. In both experiments the adaptation to psychological stress was investigated with a Stroop task, a measure of inhibition, which followed PE. Perceived stress increased during PE (partial η2 = 0.63) and during the Stroop task (partial η2 = 0.08), and decreased during relaxation (partial η2 = 0.15), however, no effect of condition was found. At the physiological level PE significantly increased HR, RF, and decreased CVA [operationalized in this research via the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD)] in both experiments. Further, the number of errors in the incongruent category (Stroop interference accuracy) was found to be lower in the SPB condition in comparison to the control condition, however, these results were not mediated by RMSSD. Additionally, the Stroop interference [reaction times (RTs)] was found to be lower overall in “relax before PE,” however, no effect was found regarding SPB and Stroop interference (RTs). Overall, our results suggest that SPB realized before or after PE has a positive effect regarding adaptation to psychological stress and specifically inhibition, however, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Normandie Université, UFR STAPS, EA 4260, Cesams, Caen, France
| | - Theresa Lentes
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas J Hosang
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uirassu Borges
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Emma Mosley
- Southampton Solent University, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrice Dosseville
- Normandie Université, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France.,INSERM, UMR-S 1075 COMETE, Caen, France
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Szulczewski MT. Training of paced breathing at 0.1 Hz improves CO2 homeostasis and relaxation during a paced breathing task. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218550. [PMID: 31220170 PMCID: PMC6586331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Volitional control of breathing often leads to excessive ventilation (hyperventilation) among untrained individuals, which disrupts CO2 homeostasis and may elicit a set of undesirable symptoms. The present study investigated whether seven days of training without any anti-hyperventilation instructions improves CO2 homeostasis during paced breathing at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (6 breaths/minute). Furthermore, the present study investigated the effects of training on breathing-related changes in affective state to examine the hypothesis that training improves the influence of slow paced breathing on affect. A total of 16 participants performed ten minutes of paced breathing every day for seven days. Partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2), symptoms of hyperventilation, affective state (before and after breathing), and pleasantness of the task were measured on the first, fourth, and seventh days of training. Results showed that the drop in PetCO2 significantly decreased with training and none of the participants experienced a drop in PetCO2 below 30 mmHg by day seven of training (except one participant who already had PetCO2 below 30 mmHg during baseline), in comparison to 37.5% of participants on the first day. Paced breathing produced hyperventilation symptoms of mild intensity which did not decrease with training. This suggests that some participants still experienced a drop of PetCO2 that was deep enough to produce noticeable symptoms. Affective state was shifted towards calmness and relaxation during the second and third laboratory measurements, but not during the first measurement. Additionally, the breathing task was perceived as more pleasant during subsequent laboratory measurements. The obtained results showed that training paced breathing at 0.1 Hz led to decrease in hyperventilation. Furthermore, the present study suggests that training paced breathing is necessary to make the task more pleasant and relaxing.
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Laborde S, Hosang T, Mosley E, Dosseville F. Influence of a 30-Day Slow-Paced Breathing Intervention Compared to Social Media Use on Subjective Sleep Quality and Cardiac Vagal Activity. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8020193. [PMID: 30736268 PMCID: PMC6406675 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathing techniques are part of traditional relaxation methods; however, their influence on psychophysiological variables related to sleep is still unclear. Consequently, the aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of a 30-day slow-paced breathing intervention compared to social media use on subjective sleep quality and cardiac vagal activity (CVA, operationalized via high-frequency heart rate variability). Healthy participants (n = 64, 33 male, 31 female, M = 22.11, SD = 3.12) were randomly allocated to an experimental or control group. In the experimental group, they had to perform slow-paced breathing for 15 min each evening across a 30-day period. This was administered through a smartphone application. The control group used social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp) for the same duration. The night before and after the intervention, their CVA was assessed via a light portable Electrocardiogram (ECG) device, and they had to fill out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Results showed that in comparison to the use of social media, the slow-paced breathing technique improved subjective sleep quality and increased overnight CVA, while a tendency was observed for morning awakening CVA. Slow-paced breathing appears a promising cost-effective technique to improve subjective sleep quality and cardiovascular function during sleep in young healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Laborde
- Department of Performance Psychology, German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, 50933 Cologne, Germany.
- Université de Caen Normandie-UFR STAPS, EA 4260 Caen, France.
| | - Thomas Hosang
- Department of Psychology, Helmut Schmidt University, 22043 Hambourg, Germany.
- University of the Federal Armed Forces Hambourg, 22043 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Emma Mosley
- Solent University Southampton, Southampton SO14 0YN, UK.
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Sharma P, Morris NR, Adams L. Effect of experimental modulation of mood on perception of exertional dyspnea in healthy subjects. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2015; 120:114-20. [PMID: 26565017 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00122.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In many diseases across a range of pathologies (e.g., cardiopulmonary, neuromuscular, and cancer), chronic dyspnea, particularly on exertion, is a major debilitating symptom often associated with clinical anxiety/depression. This study aims to explore the interaction between mood state and exertional dyspnea in a healthy population. Following familiarization, 20 healthy subjects (27-54 years old) performed six 5-min treadmill tests on three separate days. On each day subjects viewed randomly assigned images designed to induce positive, negative, or neutral mood states (International Affective Picture System). For each condition, at minute intervals, subjects rated dyspnea (sensory and affective domains) in the first test and mood (valence and arousal domains) in the second test. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2 , liters/min), carbon dioxide production (V̇CO2, liters/min), ventilation (V̇E, liters/min), respiratory frequency (f(R), beats/min), and heart rate (HR, bpm), were measured throughout the exercise. V̇O2, V̇CO2, V̇E, HR, and f(R) were not statistically significantly different among the three mood states (P > 0.05). Mood valence was significantly higher with parallel viewing of positive (last 2-min mean ± SE = 6.9 ± 0.2) compared with negative pictures (2.4 ± 0.2; P < 0.001). Both sensory and affective domains of dyspnea were significantly higher during negative (sensory: 5.6 ± 0.3; affective: 3.3 ± 0.5) compared with positive mood (sensory: 4.4 ± 0.4, P < 0.001; affective: 2.1 ± 0.4, P = 0.002). These findings suggest that positive mood alleviates both the sensory and affective domains of exertional dyspnea in healthy subjects. Thus the treatment of anxiety/depression in dyspenic populations could be a worthwhile therapeutic strategy in increasing symptom-limited exercise tolerance, thereby contributing to improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Sharma
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Allied Health Sciences, Heart Foundation Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Australia
| | - Norman R Morris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Allied Health Sciences, Heart Foundation Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Australia
| | - Lewis Adams
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Allied Health Sciences, Heart Foundation Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Australia
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