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Assessing the Influence of Postural and Respiratory Changes on the Functional Brain-Heart Axis Communication
Arthur Plantard1,2, Vincenzo Catrambone3, Florian Chouchou1,4
1University of La Réunion, UFR SHE, IRISSE Laboratory (EA4075), Le Tampon, France.
Summary
This study reveals how body position and breathing impact the brain-heart connection. Slow breathing and upright posture alter brain activity and autonomic control, influencing heart-brain communication dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Autonomic Regulation
Background:
- The Brain-Heart axis integrates neural communication for cardiovascular and cerebral functions.
- Quantitative dynamics of Brain-Heart Interplay (BHI) during postural and respiratory challenges are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between postural changes, controlled breathing, and BHI.
- To elucidate the influence of spontaneous and slow-paced breathing on BHI and autonomic regulation.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen healthy volunteers underwent resting-state recordings in supine and upright positions.
- Participants engaged in spontaneous and slow-paced (6 cycles/min) breathing.
- High-density EEG, arterial blood pressure, and ECG were recorded to derive RR intervals and calculate Baroreflex Sensitivity (BRS).
Main Results:
- Postural changes altered EEG oscillations (reduced delta, increased beta/gamma) and increased diastolic blood pressure.
- Slow-paced breathing amplified beta/gamma EEG oscillations and reduced sympathovagal activity.
- Upright posture enhanced bidirectional BHI but weakened BRS-BHI coupling; spontaneous breathing showed negative heart-brain correlations.
Conclusions:
- Postural and respiratory changes significantly influence BHI directionality and autonomic cardiovascular regulation.
- Respiratory sinus arrhythmia and baroreflex-mediated regulation are key contributors to BHI.
- Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between respiration, posture, and the brain-heart axis.
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