Evaluation of visual and vibratory guidance for resonance frequency breathing.

INTRODUCTION

Resonance frequency breathing is a non-pharmacological self-regulation technique used in heart rate variability biofeedback and complementary health practices. However, optimal guidance methods for home-based and self-directed practice remain unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, open-label crossover trial in 72 healthy volunteers. Participants performed 4 min of paced breathing at a predicted resonance rate under three conditions (visual guidance, vibratory guidance, no guidance), with 3-min rest periods before and after each session. The primary outcome was the change in short-term heart rate variability. The secondary outcome was the percentage of time judged as "resonant" based on blinded waveform assessment.

RESULTS

Both visual and vibratory guidance were associated with significantly greater increases in heart rate variability during and after paced breathing compared with no guidance (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between visual and vibratory guidance (P = 0.360). The proportion of time judged as resonant was significantly higher with both guidance methods than with no guidance (P < 0.001), without differences between guidance modalities (P = 0.110).

CONCLUSION

Visual and vibratory guidance may facilitate adherence to paced breathing at a predicted resonance rate and increase short-term heart rate variability under these conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000052363. Registered 1 October 2023.