Effect of slow breathing training on heart rate, spontaneous respiratory rate and pattern of breathing

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONBreathing process is the manner in which air is inspired or expired has great importance in maintaining health. Rhythmic breathing can be of major significance in determining one's physical and emotional state. Breathing often reflects our state of relaxation or excitation. When at rest, breathing is usually slow and rhythmic, and when tense, breathing may be erratic, or we may hold our breath. 2There are many pranayamic techniques described in the ancient literature which have an effect on cardiovascular system. Amongst these are alternate nostril breathing and diaphragmatic breathing. Also some rhythmic and ratio breathing pattern produces the same effect. There are different breathing techniques that essentially work on three main things: regulation of breath, control of vital force and channelization of the pranas in right direction. 3Control of prana is regulation of inhalation and exhalation. This is accomplished by eliminating the pause between inhalation and exhalation. Thus, by regulating the motion of the lungs, the heart and the vagus nerve are controlled. 4 It is known that regular practice of breathing exercises (pranayama) increases parasympathetic tone, decreases sympathetic activity, improves cardiovascular and respiratory functions, decreases the effect of stress and strain on the body and improves physical and mental ABSTRACT Background: The study was performed to see the effect of slow breathing (6 breaths/minute) training on spontaneous respiratory rate, heart rate and pattern of breathing. Methods: Sixty subjects between the ages 20-50 years were included in the study. After the rest of 10 -15 minutes in a comfortable sitting posture their baseline heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and pattern of breathing were recorded on digital polygraph. Then they were guided to do slow breathing maintaining rate of around 6 per minute. Subjects were then instructed to do slow breathing exercise for 8-10 minutes twice daily for next three months. Subjects reported back after three months of practicing slow breathing and their HR, RR, and pattern of breathing were again assessed by digital polygraph. Results: After three months of practicing slow breathing there was statistically significant reduction in heart rate and spontaneous respiratory rate. Shifting of pattern of breathing from thoracic pattern to abdominal pattern of breathing was also very highly significant. Conclusions: The study showed that slow breathing technique causes comprehensive change in body physiology by controlling autonomic nervous system. It regularizes rate and pattern of breathing.

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