28th Annual Student Research Conference
Does Inhalation-to-Exhalation Ratio Matter in Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback?
Christopher L. Zerr*, Zachary Bartochowski, Reejan Shrestha, and Alison Moessner
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
This study examined whether inhalation-to-exhalation ratio affects HRV measures. Undergraduates (n=26) were randomly assigned to begin with one of two conditions, either a 1:2 or a 1:1 inhalation-exhalation ratio. All participants were monitored during both ratios and compliance with breathing ratio instructions was confirmed. Participants successfully followed the visual pacer and breathed at 6-bpm in both conditions. The breathing ratio did not affect heart rate, skin conductance, temperature, or HRV measurements. Two nonlinear measurements, DFA alpha1 and sample entropy were affected by breathing ratio. DFA alpha1 was greater during a 1:1 ratio, F(1,24)=6.06, p=0.02, ɳ2=.20, d=1.00, while SampEn was greater during a 1:2 ratio, F(1,23)=1157.40, p=0.001, ɳ2=.98, d=14.00. Overall, inhalation-to-exhalation ratio does not appear to influence the measurements that clinicians typically use during HRV biofeedback, and should be chosen based on client preference. Future researchers should replicate these findings with clinical populations.
Keywords: heart rate variability, biofeedback, posture, breathing ratio
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 10-9
Location: GEO-SUB
Time: 3:30