---
title: Respiratory Rate
slug: insights-v01/respiratory-rate
description: Learn how to calculate respiration rate using chest movement detection software and discover its importance in therapeutic and wellbeing practices. Explore examples of different breathing rates and how they affect stress and anxiety levels. Find out how t
docTags: 
createdAt: 2023-07-12T06:02:04.635Z
---

**Respiration rate**, or breathing rate, is the **number of breaths per minute** while at rest. Breathing rates may increase with fever, illness and other medical conditions.

This metric can be used in addition to the [Resonant Breathing Score](docId\:D6mom8mfxRFFcSBF5DHy-) to guide users into a resonant breathing state or during another stress-relieving breathing exercise.

# How is it calculated?

IntelliProve software accurately calculates the respiration rate by **detecting** the subtle movements of the chest. This is achieved through the use of an in-house software algorithm, which enables the processing engine to identify the correct **motion associated with breathing**. A respiration signal is created and its frequency is measured. This frequency corresponds with the number of breaths a person takes in one minute (breaths per minute or bpm).

# How can it be used? 

The **respiratory rate at rest** is expected to be around 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Equal to the resting heart rate, an **increased breathing frequency** can be used as an indicator for **stress** or **anxiety**. 

Monitoring the respiratory rate can be a **valuable biomarker in therapeutic and wellbeing practices/exercises**. For instance, during meditation exercises, it is desirable to achieve a low breathing frequency between 6 to 12 breaths per minute (relaxation). By consistently practicing and training to maintain a lower resting breathing frequency, individuals can enhance their resilience to stress. Moreover, a lower resting respiratory rate not only aids in stress management but also promotes better sleep quality.

:::hint{type="info"}
Below, an illustrative **example** on how respiratory rate can be used as a valuable metric for **feedback** during breathing exercises, as a** starting point **for your offered content or as **buidling blocks **for graphs.
:::



::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/_0R_DnpmBBLLXmaoWvG2u/IzVWmD_9abEU7o7EAA7jZ_example-rr-2.png" size="80" width="1787" height="937" position="center" showCaption="false"}

# Insights

Respiratory Rate is returned as an integer on a scale of 6 – 48 as a part of the output response JSON, with the key `respiratory_rate`. 


| **Output (breaths per minute)** | **Definition**                     | **Example Color Indicator** | **Example User Text**                                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 4 - 12                          | Slower breathing rate than average | Green                       | Your breathing rate at rest is low. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.     |
| 13 - 20                         | Average breathing rate             | Green                       | Your breathing rate at rest is average. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. |
| >20                             | Faster breathing rate than average | Yellow                      | Your breathing rate at rest is high. In general, a respiratory rate for an adult is typically between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.    |