DeerghaPraaNa - Breathe and get paid while contributing to science!

We are investigating breathing effects on the heart and brain in healthy young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. 
 

Description

The psychophysiological changes in brain-body interaction observed in most meditative practices are due to a voluntary slowing of the breath. Voluntary breathing in particular is known to lower blood pressure and heart rate and promote relaxation and health, but the exact mechanisms of how the heart-brain interaction works are unknown. The aim of this study is to find out how breathing can influence heart-brain interactions by using non-invasive, risk-free recordings primarily of the heart (ECG), brain waves (EEG) and breathing (breathing belt).

Procedure

Just breathe while wearing an EEG cap, ECG electrodes and respiration belts.Risks: None
Total time: Preparation (≈1 hr) + experiment (≈1 hr) / session
Schedule for 2 sessions on different days.

Reward 

15 Euros / hour

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 18–35
• Right-handed
• Non-smoker
• No excessive caffeine consumption, i.e. < 3 cups of regular coffee per day
• No coffee and food within 2 hours of the experiment
• No excessive alcohol consumption, i.e. < 7 drinks (4 cl) spirits OR 500 ml beer OR 250 ml wine per week
• No regular practice of breathing exercises (pranayama (yoga), meditation etc...)
• Voluntary agreement to participate

Exclusion Criteria

• Respiratory infection at the time of study participation (e.g. a seasonal cold)
•  Presence of the following symptoms at the time of study participation: coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing
• Psychiatric illness at the time of study participation and/or within last 3 years prior
• Ongoing or previous neurological and/or cardiovascular disease
• Taking medication that affects mental and/or cardiovascular function within 2 months prior
• Use of illegal drugs and/or cannabis within 2 months prior to study participation
•  Participation in a similar study
• Migraine
• Neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g. epilepsy)
• Any chronic illness (e.g. asthma, diabetes mellitus, etc.) that requires long-term medication
• Persons incapable of giving consent (e.g. dementia)
• Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
• Breastfeeding women
• Lack of consent to report incidental findings
• Respiratory tract infection at the time of study participation (e.g. a seasonal cold)

Want to participate?

Please contact Abhay Koushik koushik@cbs.mpg.de