Resonant Breathing Score
Resonant breathing is the practice of slowing down one’s rate of breathing to about six breaths per minute. The average rate at which humans breathe is between 12–20 breaths per minute. By breathing at six breaths per minute, one naturally increases the variation in time between heartbeats (i.e. Heart Rate Variability). This can lead to what studies have called “Respiratory Coupling” in which a person’s heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory system sync up and can positively impact the body. The Resonant Breathing Score indicates whether the user is breathing at his resonant frequency or not. This is the ideal metric to provide a quantitative insight during your offered breathing exercise or other stress-relief exercises.
The Resonant Breathing Score is calculated as the amount of energy that is located around the resonant breathing frequency (0,1Hz) divided through the total energy of the continuous heart rate signal.
Numerous studies have confirmed that breathing at six breaths per minute induces cardiorespiratory coupling, where the heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration synchronize synergistically. This technique is highly beneficial for achieving a state of rest and relaxation in both mind and body.
One effective method to achieve this is through resonance breathing exercises, involving visualization of a 5-second inhale and 5-second exhale, following a fixed time frame. However, a challenge arises in determining the appropriate duration for these exercises and verifying the activation of cardiorespiratory coupling, as it may vary among individuals.
To address this, IntelliProve has developed a resonant breathing score, which guides users objectively towards the optimal point where resonant breathing becomes effective.
Below is a typical example of the use of the Resonant Breathing Score. The user receives real-time updates on their Respiratory Rate and Resonance Breathing Score during relaxation exercises. This approach optimizes personalization and enhances effectiveness, allowing the user to achieve better results.
Resonant Breathing Score is returned as an integer on a scale of 0 to 100 and can be requested as a Widget or via the Rest API.
Output (%) | Definition | Example Color Indicator | Example User Text |
|---|---|---|---|
0 - 40 | No resonant breathing | Red | Your heart and breathing rate are not synchronized. Resonant breathing, also known as coherent breathing, is when you breathe at a rate of 5-6 full breaths per minute. You can achieve this rate by inhaling and exhaling for a count of 5. Breathing at this rate maximizes your Heart Rate Variability, reduces stress (i.e. higher Acute Mental Stress Score), and can reduce symptoms of depression when combined with Iyengar yoga. To do this: • Inhale for a count of 5. • Exhale for a count of 5. |
41 - 70 | Partial resonant breathing | Yellow | Your heart and breathing rate are not completely synchronized. Resonant breathing, also known as coherent breathing, is when you breathe at a rate of 5-6 full breaths per minute. You can achieve this rate by inhaling and exhaling for a count of 5. Breathing at this rate maximizes your Heart Rate Variability, reduces stress (i.e. higher Acute Mental Stress Score), and can reduce symptoms of depression when combined with Iyengar yoga. To do this: • Inhale for a count of 5. • Exhale for a count of 5. |
71 - 100 | Resonant breathing | Green | Your heart and breathing rate are synchronized. This type of breathing calms the body’s fight and flight response, increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve. |