Khan, H. M., Ahmed, B., Choi, J., Gutierrez-Osuna, R. (2013). Using an Ambulatory Stress Monitoring Device to Identify Relaxation Due to Untrained Deep Breathing. 35th Annual International Conference of the IEEE EMBS, 1744-1747.
This study examined the influence of deep breathing on relaxation and stress management using wearable sensors. Subjects were 25 18-35 year old men and women. A wearable device included sensors to measure heart rate variability, respiration, and electrodermal skin conductance activity. Participants performed a series of deep breathing exercises in conjunction with stress activities (memory search, color word, mirror trace, dual task, public speech). Some subjects showed characteristics of high stress during the deep breathing exercises due to improper breathing. While deep breathing exercises can reduce stress, training about appropriate breathing techniques is important.