24th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Mantra Singing on Heart Rate Variability
Aaron G. Theby*, Wyatt Hoffman, Jessie Harney, and Jabari A. Allen
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
This within-subjects study compared the effects of chanting om and singing a fundamental note on heart rate variability (HRV). Heart rate and HRV were monitored using an EKG sensor, and respiration rate using a strain gauge. Seventeen undergraduates were randomly assigned to three 10-minute conditions that were separated by 3-minute buffers: chanting om, singing the fundamental note e, or silence. SDNN was 28% greater when chanting om over sitting quietly. Singing e did not increase SDNN compared to silence. HR Max HR Min was 63% greater when chanting om than when sitting quietly, and 58% greater when singing e than when sitting quietly. Respiration rate was 27% slower when chanting om than when sitting quietly. Singing e did not slow respiration compared to sitting quietly. Slowed breathing accounted for 59% of the increase in SDNN, and 52% of the increase in HR Max- HR Min when chanting om than silence.
Keywords: Heart, Rate, Variability, Singing, respiration, EKG, chanting, Biofeedback
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 34-4
Location: MG 2001
Time: 2:00