The Effectiveness of Biofeedback Augmented by a Respiration Technique in Reducing Heart Rate

Abstract

This experiment was designed to illustrate the effects of biofeedback training augmented by a modified Furedy and Poulos respiration technique in reducing heart rate. One hundred and thirty-five undergraduates were screened for the experiment. Of these, 75 met the health requirements and demonstrated an interest in the experiment. From these 75 individuals, 36 were chosen at random to participate. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups - Group B and Group P. Each group consisted of eighteen individuals, nine of which were males and nine of which were females. All subjects received four 30-minute training sessions, one on each of four consecutive days. On the day following the fourth session, all subjects were tested across four three-minute trials for their ability to reduce heart rate with no special aids or instructions. During the training sessions Group B received biofeedback training augmented with a modified Furedy and Poulos respiration technique and Group P received training in a modified progressive muscle relaxation technique. It was hypothesized that the biofeedback group (Group B) would be superior to the progressive muscle relaxation group (Group P) in reducing heart rate during the fifth day. Data accumulated in this research supports this hypothesis. Group B was significantly superior in reducing heart rate to Group P during day five (p < .01). Magnitude of the Furedy and Poulos respiration technique as an indicator of candidacy for biofeedback training is discussed as well as sex differences with regard to ability to utilize biofeedback to reduce heart rate. Implications for future research are also discussed.