Effects of Single Trial of Heart-Rate Biofeedback on the Arterial Blood Pressure, Ventilation Volume, and Oxygen Consumption during Ramp Bicycling Exercise

Abstract

We examined whether the heart rate attenuation resulting from a single trial of biofeedback during exercise occurs without any changes in oxygen consumption (VO2), ventilation volume (VE), and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) although these variables are essential determinants for the heart-rate response during exercise. 35 subjects exercised on a cycle ergometer under two conditions while they exercised only (Control) or were trying to decrease the heart-rate response as low as possible by monitoring their own heart-rate responses as Single trial of biofeedback signals. 17 subjects could attenuate their heart rate (Can group), and their heart-rate reduction during Single trial of biofeedback was 5 ± 1 bpm. The remaining subjects were unable to reduce heart rate (Cannot group). The heart-rate attenuation during Single trial of biofeedback in the Can group occurred independently of changes in VO2 and MAP but was accompanied by a significant decrease in VE and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). However, there was a similar decrease in VE in the Cannot group. These findings suggested that the heart-rate attenuation during Single trial of biofeedback was not induced by the metabolic demand of VO2 and the regulations of MAP and VE during exercise. Other mechanisms, which are probably related to the reduction of RPE, might play an important role in the heart-rate attenuation during a Single trial of biofeedback.