The Effect of Breathing on Cognitive Performance and Stress

The Effect of Breathing Interventions on Biomarkers of Stress and Cognitive Performance Following a Psychologically Stressful Task

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of different breathing techniques on biomarkers of stress and cognitive performance following the Trier Social Stress Test.

This study examined the effect of three various breathing techniques (i.e., normal breathing, prolonged exhalation, and box breathing) on biomarkers of stress and mental performance after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The TSST has been shown to result in significant increases in psychological and physiological stress markers. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine potential interventions to mitigate the effects of this psychological stressor while maintaining increased cognitive performance. Moreover, previous literature has shown various effects of breathing interventions, therefore, the investigators wished to further validate breathing techniques as an effective tool to mitigate stress and increase cognitive performance. The data from this research provided insight to real life events, allowing for a principal understanding of how to reduce stress, focused at first responder populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Generally healthy
• Between the ages of 18-39,
• Student at Texas State.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any known cardiovascular or metabolic disease
• Consuming any medication for psychiatric disorders (i.e., anxiety, depression, ADHD)
• Being diagnosed with any psychiatric or physical conditions
• Any major stressors in the last 30 days (i.e., birth of a child, abortion, divorce).