Health
Prolonged exhalation increases reward sensitivity and risk-taking, study finds
Researchers found that slow breathing with an extended exhale altered cardiac dynamics and prompted bolder choices in a small trial.
The short version
- A study published in Neuron found that breathing with an extended exhalation phase slowed heart rates and increased participants' willingness to take risks.
- Brain scans showed heightened activity in reward-processing regions rather than a decrease in sensitivity to potential losses.
- Researchers plan to evaluate whether controlled breathing patterns can aid clinical treatments for mood disorders or influence dietary choices.
Key facts
- A study led by researchers from the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin examined 41 healthy participants making risk-related choices under guided breathing conditions.[ScienceDaily]
- Participants adhering to a 2:8 inhale-to-exhale ratio exhibited lower heart rates, higher heart rate variability, and a tendency toward riskier decisions.[ScienceDaily]
- Functional MRI scans indicated increased activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the precuneus during prolonged exhalation.[ScienceDaily]
- The increase in risk-taking stemmed from a heightened focus on potential rewards, while sensitivity to potential losses remained consistent.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- Whether these physiological and behavioral effects apply to broader clinical populations, including people with overweight or mood disorders, remains unverified until further testing.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- A longer exhale may push your brain toward bolder decisionsScienceDaily - Health