Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Electrophysiology on Isolated Brainstem-spinal Cord Preparations from Newborn Rodents Allows Neural Respiratory Network Output Recording
Published on: November 19, 2015
The brain's resonance with breathing-decelerated breathing synchronizes heart rate and slow cortical potentials
Thilo Hinterberger1, Nike Walter1, Christopher Doliwa1
1Research Section of Applied Consciousness Sciences, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Medical Center Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Numerous methods for enhancing consciousness and well-being emphasize the role of breathing. For the first time, we have investigated the link between body rhythms and slow cortical brain dynamics during paced breathing. We present physiological data from 37 participants who performed paced breathing sessions with respiration rates (RRs) from 6 to 14 s/cycle (with 7 min for each task). Measures of respiration, heart rate variability (HRV) and 64-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) as well as subjective ratings were recorded and compared with each other. Both the respiratory sinus arrhythmia of the HRV and the slow cortical potentials (SCPs) of the EEG correlated with the respiration cycle. The highest correlations were observed at a RR of 10 s/cycle for the SCPs. A strong positive voltage deflection during inhalation is followed by a negative variation during exhalation. This decelerated breathing rhythm matches the frequency of baroreceptor sensitivity, leading to synchronization between breathing, HRV, baroreceptors and the brain. Subjectively, participants rated this RR as the most relaxing one. This study demonstrates the importance of the effect of speed of breathing on brain dynamics, which might help in understanding the role of breathing in mental health.
More Related Videos
08:08Using Wavelet Entropy to Demonstrate how Mindfulness Practice Increases Coordination between Irregular Cerebral and Cardiac Activities
Published on: May 10, 2017
06:26Custom Smartphone Application to Guide Locomotor-Respiratory Coupling in the Field Using Step-Adaptive Breathing Sounds
Published on: September 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...
Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers: