The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human

Abstract

Slow breathing practices have been adopted in the modern world across the globe due to their claimed health benefits. This has piqued the interest of researchers and clinicians who have initiated investigations into the physiological (and psychological) effects of slow breathing techniques and attempted to uncover the underlying mechanisms. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of normal respiratory physiology and the documented physiological effects of slow breathing techniques according to research in healthy humans. The review focuses on the physiological implications to the respiratory, cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory and autonomic nervous systems, with particular focus on diaphragm activity, ventilation efficiency, haemodynamics, heart rate variability, cardiorespiratory coupling, respiratory sinus arrhythmia and sympathovagal balance. The review ends with a brief discussion of the potential clinical implications of slow breathing techniques. This is a topic that warrants further research, understanding and discussion.Key pointsSlow breathing practices have gained popularity in the western world due to their claimed health benefits, yet remain relatively untouched by the medical community.Investigations into the physiological effects of slow breathing have uncovered significant effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory and autonomic nervous systems.Key findings include effects on respiratory muscle activity, ventilation efficiency, chemoreflex and baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, blood flow dynamics, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, cardiorespiratory coupling, and sympathovagal balance.There appears to be potential for use of controlled slow breathing techniques as a means of optimising physiological parameters that appear to be associated with health and longevity, and that may extend to disease states; however, there is a dire need for further research into the area.Educational aimsTo provide a comprehensive overview of normal human respiratory physiology and the documented effects of slow breathing in healthy humans.To review and discuss the evidence and hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying slow breathing physiological effects in humans.To provide a definition of slow breathing and what may constitute “autonomically optimised respiration”.To open discussion on the potential clinical implications of slow breathing techniques and the need for further research.

Reproducibility and Clinical Correlates of Supine Diaphragmatic Motion Measured by M-Mode Ultrasonography in Healthy Volunteers

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A systematic review on the effects of group singing on persistent pain in people with long‐term health conditions

“…For example, deep breathing is a central element for singing, which can impact on both physiological (e.g. cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system) and emotional functions (Busch et al, 2012;Ma et al, 2017;Russo et al, 2017). Further, studies found that group singing can reduce pain threshold and pain perception (Dunbar, Baron, et al, 2012;Dunbar, Kaskatis, et al, 2012).…”

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“…There is a strong correlative relationship between respiration rates and autonomic activity, with higher respiration rates stimulating the sympathetic [202] and lower rates stimulating the parasympathetic tone [203]. Research into how controlled slow breathing optimizes homeostatic parameters and promotes health and longevity [203] may reveal integral, vital activities of the unified biological system that is our brain and body.…”

“…Modern lifestyles and goals have been proposed to be behind a widespread and persisting sympathetic over-activation due to an evolutionary mismatch between our predictable, pre-history, tribal lifestyles and the modern hectic lifestyles we live today [208] [209]. By regulating our breathing, we may be able to reduce the ill effects of disrupted sympathovagal balance, enhance poor autonomic reactivity to stress [203], and control otherwise unconscious bodily processes [202] ( Figure 5).…”