The Influence of Slow-Paced Breathing on Executive Function

Abstract. The aim of this experiment was to test the immediate effects slow-paced breathing on executive function. Slow-paced is suggested increase cardiac vagal activity, and neurovisceral integration model predicts that higher activity leads better functioning. In total, 78 participants (41 men, 37 women; M age = 23.22 years) took part in two counterbalanced experimental conditions: a 3 × 5 min condition television viewing control condition. After each condition, heart rate variability measured performed three function tasks: color-word match Stroop (inhibition), automated operation span task (working memory), modified card sorting (cognitive flexibility). Results showed performance tasks after compared control, with scores observed for interference accuracy, score, perseverative errors, but not reaction times. This difference between conditions mediated by activity. Therefore, findings only partially align predictions model. appears promising technique improve performance. Further studies are recommended address possible alternative underlying mechanisms long-term effects.