Induced Relaxation Enhances the Cardiorespiratory Dynamics in COVID-19 Survivors

Area of Science:

• Cardiorespiratory Physiology
• Post-COVID Conditions
• Autonomic Nervous System Function

Background:

• Many COVID-19 survivors experience persistent symptoms, including sympathovagal imbalance, impacting overall health.
• Slow-paced breathing (SPB) is a known technique to improve cardiovascular and respiratory regulation in various populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of SPB on cardiorespiratory dynamics in COVID-19 survivors.
• To analyze breathing rate variability (BRV), pulse rate variability (PRV), and pulse-respiration quotient (PRQ) using linear and nonlinear methods.

Main Methods:

• Photoplethysmographic and respiratory signals were analyzed from 49 COVID-19 survivors during a psychophysiological assessment.
• Linear and nonlinear analyses were applied to assess BRV, PRV, and PRQ during SPB and diaphragmatic breathing.
• Comorbidity-based subgroup analysis was performed.

Main Results:

• SPB significantly altered all BRV indices.
• Nonlinear PRV parameters were more sensitive to breathing pattern changes than linear indices.
• Diaphragmatic breathing led to increased PRQ and decreased PRV entropy (sample and fuzzy), indicating enhanced cardiorespiratory coupling.

Conclusions:

• SPB demonstrates short-term benefits for cardiorespiratory dynamics in COVID-19 survivors.
• The technique appears to improve cardiorespiratory coupling, potentially by increasing vagal activity.
• Further research into SPB as a supportive therapy for post-COVID-19 conditions is warranted.