Slower respiration rate is associated with higher self-reported well-being after wellness training
Tammi R. A. Kral, Helen Y. Weng, Vikramjit Mitra, Ted Imhoff‐Smith, Erdrin Azemi, Robin I. Goldman, Melissa A. Rosenkranz, Sarah Wu, Andrew C.N. Chen, Richard J. Davidson
Scientific Reports September 24, 2023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43176-w (opens in new tab)
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Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Preregistered Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 245 |
| Population | Adults aged 18 to 65, including experienced meditators and meditation-naïve participants |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based stress reduction |
| Duration | Post-intervention and long-term follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Distress Randomized controlled trial Physical therapy Mindfulness-based stress reduction Psychological intervention Clinical psychology |
| Citations | 25 |
| Key findings | Lower resting respiration rate was associated with lower psychological distress among long-term meditators, and MBSR decreased RR compared to waitlist, with decreased RR linked to fewer medical symptoms across all participants. |
Abstract
Mind-body interventions such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may improve well-being by increasing awareness and regulation of physiological and cognitive states. However, it is unclear how practice may alter long-term, baseline physiological processes, and whether these changes reflect improved well-being. Using respiration rate (RR), which can be sensitive to effects of meditation, and 3 aspects of self-reported well-being (psychological well-being [PWB], distress, and medical symptoms), we tested pre-registered hypotheses that: (1) Lower baseline RR (in a resting, non-meditative state) would be a physiological marker associated with well-being, (2) MBSR would decrease RR, and (3) Training-related decreases in RR would be associated with improved well-being. We recruited 245 adults (age range = 18-65, M = 42.4): experienced meditators (n = 42), and meditation-naïve participants randomized to MBSR (n = 72), active control (n = 41), or waitlist control (n = 66). Data were collected at pre-randomization, post-intervention (or waiting), and long-term follow-up. Lower baseline RR was associated with lower psychological distress among long-term meditators (p* = 0.03, b = 0.02, 95% CI [0.01, 0.03]), though not in non-meditators prior to training. MBSR decreased RR compared to waitlist (p = 0.02, Cohen's d = - 0.41, 95% CI [- 0.78, - 0.06]), but not the active control. Decreased RR related to decreased medical symptoms, across all participants (p* = 0.02, b = 0.57, 95% CI [0.15, 0.98]). Post-training, lower RR was associated with higher PWB across training groups compared to waitlist (p* = 0.01, b = 0.06, 95% CI [0.02, 0.10]), though there were no significant differences in change in PWB between groups. This physiological marker may indicate higher physical and/or psychological well-being in those who engage in wellness practices.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 6
- Find your rhythm and regulate: Breath-synced vibration feedback during breath-focused mindfulness reduces respiration variability in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Anxiety Disorders June 1, 2025
- Daily mindfulness practice with and without slow breathing has opposing effects on plasma amyloid beta levels. medRxiv March 11, 2025
- Physiological and psychological health effects of a mobile VR-based mindfulness breathing meditation with integrated biofeedback: a replication study Virtual Reality September 15, 2025
- The Impact of Meditation on Instantaneous Respiration Rate and Amplitude: A Secondary Data Analysis Mindfulness February 1, 2026
- A Randomized Clinical Trial Reveals Effects of Mindfulness and Slow Breathing on Plasma Amyloid Beta Levels. Psychophysiology December 1, 2025
and 1 more in the library
Cites 14
- Conceptual and methodological issues in research on mindfulness and meditation. American Psychologist October 1, 2015
- Mindfulness meditation training alters cortical representations of interoceptive attention Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience June 11, 2012
- Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology December 11, 2018
- Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- Coherence between emotional experience and physiology: Does body awareness training have an impact? Emotion 2010
and 9 more in the library