The respiratory modulation of interoception.
Ludovic Molle, Alexandre Coste
Journal of Neurophysiology April 1, 2022 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00027.2022 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Commentary Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Consciousness Heartbeat Interoception Respiration |
| Key points | Argues that the tendency to perceive fewer heartbeats during spontaneous heart-rate increases, which Larsson et al. attribute to reduced heartbeat strength during inspiration, may instead be explained by the influence of breathing phase on perception and resting brain activity, as suggested by consciousness research. |
Abstract
In a recent article published in The Journal of Neurophysiology titled "Sensitivity to changes in rate of heartbeats as a measure of interoceptive ability," Larsson et al. (J Neurophysiol 126: 1799-1813, 2021) introduce a new method to evaluate the interoceptive ability and report a surprising tendency in humans to perceive fewer heartbeats during spontaneous increases in resting heart rate. The authors argue that this result reflects a reduction in the strength of the heartbeat during the inspiration periods. Here, we discuss this finding and propose a complementary interpretation grounded on consciousness research and an emerging literature showing the influence of the breathing phase on perception and brain activity at rest.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Sleuthing subjectivity: a review of covert measures of consciousness. Nature Reviews Neuroscience May 23, 2025
- Understanding Mind-Body Experience from the Perspective of Interoceptive Awareness: A 21-Day Embodied Practice Intervention. Behavioral Sciences March 11, 2026
- Inhalation boosts perceptual awareness and decision speed. Journal of Neurophysiology September 1, 2023