Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing: Neurobiological and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The exposure to acute and\\or chronic stress can produce an activation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to an increased level of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The mind-body techniques (MBT), such as diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness, and Yoga, have demonstrated their validity in reducing mental stress and relieving inflammatory conditions. The aim of our study is to verify the efficacy of a single Functional Therapy (FT) session to relieve inflammations, decreasing cortisol levels and activating the parasympathetic nervous system in healthy subjects after the administration of an acute stress such as the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) protocol. After a psychiatric, psychological and anthropometric assessment, participants are randomly assigned to FT or attention placebo control group. The FT session lasting for 30 minutes and is conducted by therapists specialized in the MBT. The treatment's efficacy in reducing inflammatory states is verified by measuring the variations of the hearth rate, skin conductance, electromyography, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNFα, IL1β), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and salivary cortisol; furthermore, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (state and trait) and Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) questionnaires are used as psychometric measures of anxiety and stress. All the participants are tested at baseline, at the end of TSST, at the end of the FT or audiobook session, and at follow-up 30 minutes after the session.