Reprint of “Breathing and sense of self: Visuo-respiratory conflicts alter body self-consciousness”

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBodily self-consciousness depends on the processing of interoceptive and exteroceptive signals. It can be disrupted by inducing signal conflicts. Breathing, at the crossroad between interoception and exteroception, should contribute to bodily self-consciousness. We induced visuo-respiratory conflicts in 17 subjects presented with a virtual body or a parallelepidedal object flashing synchronously or asynchronously with their breathing. A questionnaire detected illusory changes in bodily self-consciousness and breathing agency (the feeling of sensing one's breathing command). Changes in self-location were tested by measuring reaction time during mental ball drop (MBD). Synchronous illumination changed the perceived location of breathing (body: p = 0.008 vs. asynchronous; object: p = 0.013). It resulted in a significant change in breathing agency, but no changes in self-identification. This was corroborated by prolonged MBD reaction time (body: +0.045 s, 95%CI [0.013; 0.08], p = 0.007). We conclude that breathing modulates bodily self-consciousness. We also conclude that one can induce the irruption of unattended breathing into consciousness without modifying respiratory mechanics or gas exchange.

Effectiveness of eye movement exercise and diaphragmatic breathing with jogging in reducing migraine symptoms: A preliminary, randomized comparison trial

“…As a diagnostic criterion, individuals with migraine have a fear of movement or kinesiophobia (Benatto et al., 2019 ; Holmberg, 2020 ). To develop readiness for or potentiating neural responsiveness to a full‐body exercise and improve body awareness (Adler et al., 2014 ; Guyenet Patrice & Bayliss Douglas, 2015 ), the present trial provided individuals with eye movement exercise or diaphragmatic breathing (Murakami et al., 2014 ; Schurger et al., 2016 , 2012 ). Considering neural or Hebbian learning, stimulating the brain on a regular basis adjusts brain functions at the molecular level (e.g., signaling mechanisms and memory formation) (Csermely et al., 2020 ).…”

“…The diaphragmatic breathing practice required a deep nasal inhalation, a 2 s repose, and a long, deep oral exhalation three times a day around 7:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. for 5 min for 12 consecutive weeks. Participants were persuaded to focus on their breathing while inhaling and exhaling (Adler et al., 2014 ; Guyenet Patrice & Bayliss Douglas, 2015 ).…”

Effectiveness of jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial

“…As a diagnostic criterion, patients with migraine have a fear of movement or kinesiophobia [67][68][69] . To develop readiness for and potentiate neural responsiveness to a full-body exercise and to improve body awareness 52,53 , the present study provided the patients with eye movement exercises or diaphragmatic breathing [70][71][72] . Considering the neural or Hebbian learning, stimulating brain on a regular basis adjusts brain functions at the molecular level (e.g., signaling mechanisms and memory formation) 73 .…”

“…Participants were persuaded to focus on their breathing while inhaling and exhaling. 52,53 During the eye movement exercises and diaphragmatic breathing practice, participants were asked to sit in an upright position and plant their feet on the ground at a 90-degree angle to match the extension of their shoulders. Moreover, they were instructed to x their head horizontally, leveled with their body.…”

Introduction to Special Issue “Non-homeostatic Control of Respiration”

“…A fascinating work relating respiration to the body selfconsciousness is presented by Adler et al (2014). They demonstrate that breathing modulates self-consciousness, and that unattended breaths could become reflected in the consciousness even without alterations in blood gases.…”