Resonant Breathing Biofeedback Training

Here is an interesting paper titled "Resonant breathing biofeedback training for stress reduction among manufacturing operators."

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of resonant breathing biofeedback training for reducing stress among manufacturing operators. Resonant breathing biofeedback works by teaching people to recognize their involuntary heart rate variability and to control patterns of this physiological response. Thirty-six female operators from an electronic manufacturing factory were randomly assigned as the experimental group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 17). The participants of the intervention received 5 weekly sessions of biofeedback training. Physiological stress profiles and self-perceived depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) were assessed at pre- and post-intervention. Results indicated that depression, anxiety, and stress significantly decreased after the training in the experimental group; they were supported by a significant increase in physiological measures. Overall, these results support the potential application of resonant biofeedback training to reduce negative emotional symptoms among industrial workers.

Participants had five sessions of training over the course of five weeks. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress reduced observably at week four, when participants had learned the resonant breathing skills. Participants were trained to breath abdominally and exhale through pursed lips at their resonant frequency rate for a minimum of 20 minutes a day with a minimum of five minute practice segments. They were instructed to practice the resonant breathing exercises daily, at home, between sessions, and when they felt down or stressed. A resonant breathing rate of ~5-7 breaths per minute (BPM) is most frequently found in people with a relaxed mental state and positive emotional tone.


Reference:

Sutarto AP, Wahab MN, Zin NM (2012). "Resonant breathing biofeedback training for stress reduction among manufacturing operators". International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 18 (4): 549–61. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2012.11076959. PMID 23294659