BIO

My name is Isabela Fernandez and I'm from Miami, Florida. I am a freshman here at Florida State University majoring in IMS Clinical Professions on a pre-medical track. My research interests include exercise physiology, clinical studies, psychology, and cardiovascular physiology.

The Effect of Nasal versus Oral Breathing on Heart Rate at Rest and During Exercise 

Abstract

Background: Previous research suggests that breathing through the nose can cause calmness and lower blood pressure compared to breathing through the mouth. This study focuses on the difference between nasal breathing and mouth breathing at rest, during submaximal exercise, and maximal exercise.
Methods: We expect 30 participants in this study within the age limit of 18-30, as well as a BMI between 18-30 kg/m^2. All participants completed a pre-screening with blood pressure measurements and a questionnaire. Participants then were recorded on heart rate, breathing rate, rate of perceived exertion and rate of perceived breathlessness during at rest and exercise.
Results: Across both samples of graphs with nasal and mouth breathing, there was an increase in heart rate during mouth breathing at rest and during submaximal exercise. This can be due to an increased workload of breathing when focusing on the mouth. When comparing breathing mechanisms at rest, there was a larger slope in the difference in heart rates with mouth breathing compared to nasal breathing.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that there is a heavier workload when breathing through the mouth, which increases heart rate compared to nasal breathing. As the study is still continuing on, we hope more results will support our data.

Keywords: Nasal, Breathing, Exercise, Oral