27th Annual Student Research Conference
Does Sitting Position Matter in Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback?
Christopher L. Zerr*, Jack Schoelz, Emily Bauer, and Brian Cary
Dr. Fred Shaffer, Faculty Mentor
This randomized-controlled study examined whether sitting position affects HRV frequency domain and time domain measures. Forty-one undergraduates (20 male and 21 female), 19-24 years of age, were observed with eyes open without feedback in three different sitting positions for 5 minutes with 2-minute buffers between conditions. These positions were leaning forward (45o), sitting upright (90o), and leaning backward (120o). Sitting position did not affect abdominal SEMG, abdominal excursion, or respiration rate. However, an upright sitting position produced greater low frequency power than leaning forward and leaning backward, while an upright position produced lower high frequency power than leaning forward and leaning backward. Sitting position did not affect any of the major time domain measures of HRV. Since increasing LF power is a major goal of HRV biofeedback, we recommend training in an upright sitting position for subjects who resemble our undergraduates. Future researchers should replicate these findings with clinical populations.
Keywords: heart rate variability, sitting position
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 408-1
Location: MG 2001
Time: 2:30