Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025

Oxygenation-sensitive Cardiac MRI with Vasoactive Breathing Maneuvers for the Non-invasive Assessment of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction
Published on: August 17, 2022
Modulation of EEG by Slow-Symmetric Breathing Incorporating Breath-Hold
Slow-symmetric breathing (SSB) enhances brain activity, particularly at lower rates. Neural dynamics are similar with or without breath-holds, suggesting feasibility for therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Physiology
- Biofeedback
Background:
- The brain and lungs exhibit bidirectional communication.
- Volitional breathing, controlled consciously, offers therapeutic potential beyond spontaneous breathing.
- Breathing rate and patterns are key variables in volitional breathing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neural dynamics during slow-symmetric breathing (SSB) at varying rates (10, 6, 4 cycles per minute).
- To examine the impact of incorporating breath-holds post-inhalation and exhalation on neural activity during SSB.
- To analyze electroencephalogram (EEG) changes, including coherence, band power, and phase-amplitude coupling during SSB.
Main Methods:
- 63 healthy adults participated in the study.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded during slow-symmetric breathing (SSB) at 10, 6, and 4 cycles per minute (cpm) using a visual metronome.
- EEG analysis included coherence, band power, phase-amplitude coupling, and modulation index, comparing breathing conditions with and without breath-holds.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in EEG coherence were observed during SSB across all rates, with resonance at 6 cpm (0.1 Hz).
- Alpha and beta band power were significantly higher during breath-holds compared to inhalation/exhalation phases.
- The modulation index significantly increased during SSB, indicating enhanced brain activity modulation. Coherence, coupling, and modulation were primarily rate-dependent, not significantly affected by breath-holds.
Conclusions:
- Slow-symmetric breathing (SSB) at very low rates significantly modulates neural dynamics, increasing EEG coherence and brain activity modulation.
- The inclusion of breath-holds does not introduce statistically significant differences in neural dynamics compared to continuous symmetric breathing.
- These findings suggest that SSB, with or without breath-holds, is a viable method for achieving therapeutic benefits associated with slow breathing.
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
08:34Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
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...
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...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I