The combination of deep breathing and mental imagery promotes cardiovascular recovery in firefighters
J P Biéchy1,2, C Charissou1,2, S Gobert3
1ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
Firefighters' rescue operations involve intense physical activity associated with a high level of cardiovascular stress. To sustain such intense physical performance whilst maintaining a healthy heart, it is crucial that they benefit from rapid recovery between each intervention. This study aimed at investigating the impacts of a recovery protocol combining deep breathing and mental imagery. Forty firefighters were divided into two experimental groups which undertook two maximum fitness tests separated by either the control recovery protocol (30 min reading time; n = 20) or the experimental recovery protocol (30 min of deep breathing and mental imagery; n = 20). When compared to the pre-tests, the percentage evolution ratios in the post-tests for the Cooper performance, the heart rate recovery and the parasympathetic reactivation were promoted by the experimental protocol, compared to simple reading. In light of these results, we propose the use of practices of deep-breathing combined with mental imagery to improve firefighters' recovery. Practitioner summary: Firefighters' activities involve intense physical activities associated with a high level of psychological stress. Enhancing their recovery after each rescue intervention appears crucial. The results of this study showed that a recovery protocol combining deep breathing and mental imagery promotes heart rate recovery and better maintenance of physical fitness.
More Related Videos
08:34Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
07:09Assessment of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Volume, Membrane Diffusing Capacity, and Intrapulmonary Arteriovenous Anastomoses During Exercise
Published on: February 20, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
Breathing
