Heart rate variability during mindful breathing meditation

We discuss Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measured during mindful breathing meditation. We provide a pedagogical computation of two commonly used heart rate variability metrics, i.e. the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), in terms of Fourier components. It is shown that the root mean square of successive differences preferentially weights higher frequency Fourier modes, making it unsuitable as a biosignal for mindful breathing meditation which encourages slow breathing. We propose a new metric called the autonomic balance index (ABI) which uses Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia to quantify the fraction of heart rate variability contributed by the parasympathetic nervous system. We apply this metric to heart rate variability data collected during two different meditation techniques, and show that the autonomic balance index is significantly elevated during mindful breathing, making it a good signal for biofeedback during meditation sessions.

Automated summary

This study focuses on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measured during mindful breathing meditation. Two commonly used HRV metrics, root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR), are computed in terms of Fourier components. The study finds that RMSSD preferentially weights higher frequency Fourier modes, making it unsuitable for mindful breathing meditation which emphasizes slow breathing. A new metric called the autonomic balance index (ABI) is proposed, which uses Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia to quantify the contribution of the parasympathetic nervous system to HRV. The study applies this metric to HRV data collected during two different meditation techniques and shows that the autonomic balance index is significantly elevated during mindful breathing, making it a good signal for biofeedback during meditation sessions.