The Effect of Breath Pacing on Task Switching and Working Memory

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Autonomic Nervous System Research
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• The relationship between cortical and subcortical circuits, cognition, and cardiac autonomic control is established.
• Current research primarily views heart rate variability (HRV) as an indicator of cortical activity.
• The influence of HRV changes on cortical activity remains less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of heart rate variability (HRV) changes on cortical activity.
• To determine if induced autonomic changes through breathing strategies affect cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• Three breathing strategies were employed: spontaneous (Control), normal (NB), and slow-paced breathing (SB).
• Autonomic states were modulated, and their effect on cognitive tasks was measured.
• Cognitive performance was assessed using executive function (working memory) and processing speed (multitasking) tests.

Main Results:

• Slow-paced breathing (SB) significantly increased HRV low frequency (LF) power and altered power spectral density (PSD).
• Accuracy in working memory tasks significantly improved following SB, without affecting response times.
• The success rate in multitasking tests was the primary cognitive measure influenced by breathing pacing.

Conclusions:

• Short-term slow-paced breathing (SB) positively affects cognitive accuracy, specifically in executive functions and processing speed.
• The timing of cognitive tasks was not significantly altered by the breathing interventions.
• These findings highlight the potential of controlled breathing for enhancing cognitive performance.