Effects of Deep and Slow Breathing on Stress Stimulation Caused by High-Intensity Exercise in Healthy Adults

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the deep and slow breathing (DSB) on the chain-reaction changes of stress stimulation at over time by measuring electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV). Twenty-six healthy subjects were divided into two different groups: control group (CG) and DSB group (DSBG). All subjects were exposed to a stress-stimulated environment with 80% exercise intensity. After the 80% exercise intensity was maintained for 10 minutes, the subjects rested for 5 minutes and then measuring EEG and HRV. The chain-reaction changes of stress stimulation through EEG and HRV analysis showed that DSBG had higher values of alpha/high-beta ratio and High-Frequency (HF) value of HRV than CG (p <.05), and Low-Frequency/High-Frequency (LF/HF) ratio of DSBG is significant time-group interaction, indicating a significant difference between groups (p <.05). In consequence, DSB will be used as a meaningful intervention for patients of stress-related diseases or potential patients.

KEYWORDS: chain-reactions; deep and slow breathing; electroencephalogram; heart rate variability; stress.

PMID: 32615794 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2020.1786138