The respiratory modulation of interoception.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Physiology

Background:

• Interoception, the sense of the internal state of the body, is crucial for homeostasis and self-awareness.
• Previous research has explored heartbeat perception, but the influence of respiratory phase on this ability remains under investigation.
• Larsson et al. (2021) introduced a novel method to assess interoceptive accuracy regarding heart rate changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the findings of Larsson et al. regarding heartbeat perception during changes in resting heart rate.
• To propose an alternative interpretation of the observed phenomenon, integrating consciousness research and respiratory influences on perception.
• To explore the relationship between breathing phases, resting brain activity, and interoceptive awareness.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the study by Larsson et al. (J Neurophysiol 126: 1799-1813, 2021).
• Review of literature on consciousness research and the impact of breathing on perception.
• Theoretical integration of findings from respiratory neurophysiology and interoceptive science.

Main Results:

• Larsson et al. reported that humans perceive fewer heartbeats during spontaneous increases in resting heart rate.
• The original study suggested this is due to reduced heartbeat amplitude during inspiration.
• This discussion proposes that respiratory phase influences interoceptive accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The perception of heartbeats is modulated by the respiratory cycle.
• Interoceptive ability may be influenced by the interplay between cardiac and respiratory systems.
• Further research integrating breathing dynamics and consciousness is warranted to fully understand interoceptive processes.