Welcome to the Breathing Trainer v1.0, which is a member of the BIS (tm) Biofeedback Incentive System (tm) breathing control and training system family. This version is designed mainly for individual home use.
Other versions of the BIS system are more sophisticated, and are designed for scientific and professional use. They display the actual user breathing signal for direct visual biofeedback training. Unfortunately the complexity of the advanced systems and the approximately $2,500 for the necessary hardware makes the cost prohibitive for home use. As a software product running on the users own computer, the Breathing Trainer cost may therefore be kept resonable.
This home version provides an accurate breathing prompting display, which shows in graphics how to breathe in and out. It may be configured for ANY breathing training program, including Stress Reduction breathing, Sleep Induction breathing, Hyperventilation Syndrome control, Yoga breathing control, Meditation and Relaxation breathing control, Lamaze birthing breath control techniques, breathing control for Asthma, COPD and Emphysema, Scuba Diving breathing training, breathing control for Singing or Musical Instrument playing, etc. These are but a few examples of potential use of this BIS / Breathing Trainer v1.0 program.
To make this prompting display work, you must first configure the display for your particular needs. More on this later on.
Once you have an appropriate display, synchronize your breathing with the flashing cursor moving along the visual lines of inspiration and expiration. With a little practice you should be able to get the right timing and synchronize your breathing within two or three breaths.
Properly done, this will provide very accurate control of your breathing rate and the relative times of breathing in and out. It will also provide a BREATH VOLUME that is approximately correct, depending mainly on your breathing coordination skills in following the prompting.
The BIS Display (tm) shows the Tidal Volume (i.e. the Breath Volume) on the vertical axis, and this volume is always set full scale, i.e. big breaths and small breaths look about the same. This may seem strange, but in fact is one of the reasons why this visual teaching method is so powerful.
Breathing Rate, i.e. Time, is displayed on the horizontal axis, and is also always set to full scale. The Rate is set to one full breath in and one full breath out, i.e. one complete respiratory cycle. This means that slow breathing and fast breathing looks the same, and the only clue that they are different is the speed of the prompting cursor moving along the breathe in / breathe out program lines. Again, this may seem strange, but in fact is also one of the reasons why this visual teaching method is so powerful.
If the visual cues of Tidal Volume and Respiratory Rate appear identical, the user will focus on the flashing cursor, and therefore the critically important timing requirements of breathing.
In attempting to synchronize with this signal the user should try to FEEL within their chests the respiratory sensations of breathing in that particular manner. When the user can FEEL these respiratory sensations they should then be able to remember and reproduce them, without the Breathing Trainer program prompting. Self reliance, without the need for support techniques, is an ultimate object of breathing training.
This is why this training method is so efficient as a learning tool, and so powerful as a method that can be used anywhere, any time, and often without the use of this prompting system.
How does the BIS display promote the correct Breath Volume (Tidal Volume)
It should be obvious the BIS display is accurately providing correct breathing timing signals of Respiratory Rate and the relative times of Inspiration and Expiration. However, the breath Tidal Volume prompt is more subtle.
To understand this you need to consider the fundamental breathing equation: Tidal (Breath) Volume = Air Flow X Time
Now, if the correct Volume of the breath is indicated on the screen (and it is, for every portion of the breathing cycle), and if the correct Time of the breathing cycle is indicated (and it is, by the flashing cursor), then the cursor is a real-time breath Flow controller. And it is controlling the Flow of air at every portion of breathing in and out cycle, and this is crucial to breathing control.
Note carefully that the Inspiration display line is straight, or linear. This means that the user should inhale in a constant and steady manner to follow the prompting cursor correctly. This flow pattern is particularly easy to do, and with a little practice, usually within two or three breaths, the user should be able to time their breathing flow to closely match the cursor time prompt and therefore achieve a close approximation of the desired Tidal Volume. The user’s skill in correctly breathing with the cursor timing prompter is the main factor determining the accuracy of the indicated breath volume.
Setting up the Breathing Trainer prompting display.
The initial screen you will see is a program Setup screen, with a number of input functions that require you to enter a number. As you enter numbers into the different parameters you will see the breathing waveform change accordingly.
The Setup Screen shows the following parameters:
Tidal Volume - (or Breath Volume) (in cc's).
Respiratory Rate - (in breaths per minute).
Inspiration Time - (as a percent of the total cycle time).
Expiration Time - (which will automatically adjust when the Inspiration Time is set).
Inspiration Hold - (the slight hesitation between Inspiration and Expiration, as a percent of the Inspiration Time).
Expiration Hold - (the longer hesitation at the end of Expiration, before taking in the next breath, as a percent of the Expiration Time).
When you enter numbers in the different parameters, you will see the breathing waveform change accordingly. By manipulation of these inputs a wide variety of breathing prompting programs may be created.
Note that you may enter your name, and that the date and time is automatically displayed. When you print out a copy, it will have this and all the details of your breathing pattern for your record. A printed copy of your program is a good reminder of your visual breathing pattern to carry with you. In case of breathing difficulty or for any other reason you can then readily refer to it.
Use the “Start” button to go to the actual program display, and the “Exit” button to stop the program.
Suggested numbers for the input parameters.
TIDAL VOLUME:
For most adults a Tidal Volume at rest is approximately 500 to 900 cc. Experiment and see what is comfortable for you.
For training purposes a temporary breath volume 200 to 300 cc larger than required for metabolic needs is more comfortable for many. Away from training sessions the natural breathing regulatory mechanisms should restore your breathing volume to an appropriate level. Note however, these larger Tidal Volumes may induce symptoms of overbreathing (i.e. light headed sensations, tingling about the mouth and face, etc.). If these symptoms are noted, then reduce the volume accordingly.
For special needs requiring very slow and deep breathing such as Yoga and Meditation training, much larger Tidal Volumes are required, e.g. 1500 to 2000cc or more.
RESPIRATORY RATE:
The normal adult Respiratory Rate is about 10 to 12 breaths per minute while resting. Breathing rates above 15 breaths per minute at rest may produce symptoms of overbreathing, i.e. the Hyperventilation Syndrome.
Faster breathing rates may be needed, e.g. 20 or more for the Lamaze rapid panting method.
For Stress Reduction and Sleep Induction slower breathing rates of about 8 to 10 (sometimes slower) per minute are suggested. This should be in conjunction with reducing upper chest movement and concentrating on putting air into the lower-lateral portions of the lungs, at the bottom rib margins below the anterior portion of the arm pits. Upper-anterior chest movement is frequently a stress reaction, and lower-lateral chest movement, for uncertain reasons, frequently promotes relaxation and an associated reduction of EEG (Electroencephalogram) brain wave activity into the slower Alpha activity characteristic of meditation states.
For Hyperventilation Syndrome correction, both acute and chronic varieties, slower than usual breathing rates about 7 to 9 (or less) breaths per minute are usually needed. Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia training usually requires a rate of 5 or 6 , and for some extreme Yoga and Meditation exercises, it is said that rates as low as 1 or 2 breaths per minute are needed. For some yoga breathing techniques such as rapid fire breathing or “Kapalabhati” a practitioner works up to 30 or even 60 breaths per minute
INSPIRATION TIME:
Normally the time spent on inspiration is less than the time spent on expiration. For users with normal lungs, at rest, this time is approximately 40% of the entire respiratory cycle. By entering this number you will note the EXPIRATION TIME is automatically calculated, in this case 60%. Likewise if you enter a number into the Expiration Time, the Inspiration Time is automatically calculated.
For Stress Reduction and Sleep Induction an Inspiration Time of 30-35% (or sometimes less) is suggested. The resulting long expiration time is important in allowing concentration on relaxing, and/or Progressive Relaxation techniques, e.g. telling the left foot to go numb for a few breaths, then the right foot, then the left hand, then the right hand, then the neck, then the entire body. According to some schools of Yoga and Meditation training, an Inspiration Time of 25-30% (or sometimes even less than 20%) are used, i.e. a very long Expiration Time. For some breathing training in yoga called “Pranayama” expiration is 2 or 3 times longer than inspiration.
For people with COPD / Emphysema / Asthma an exhalation time 2 or more times longer than inspiration may be needed to get out the old stale air, in order to make room for fresh air. An Inspiration Time of 30-35% or even 25-30% may be needed to permit all of the air to get out of the chest and correct the problem of “Air Trapping” and “Dynamic Hyperinflation.” For these individuals it is critically important to always remember that it is not possible to take in a proper breath of fresh air until the old stale air has been removed by a longer exhalation time.
For users with an Acute Hyperventilation Syndrome attack, an old counting treatment method may be effectively employed. Set the Tidal Volume to about 1500-2000cc, the Respiratory Rate to about 7 to 9 and the Inspiration Time to 50% (i.e. equal inspiration and expiration times). Then, slowly and deliberately count “One thousand and one; One thousand and two; etc. to ..........One thousand and five” while synchronizing with the prompting cursor. Then start exhaling and counting “One thousand and one; etc. to .....One thousand and five”for the expiration phase. When the acute symptoms of lightheadedness, facial tingling, etc. have subsided, switch to a normal breathing pattern with a lower than usual Respiratory Rate of about 7 to 9 breaths per minute, and when fully recovered increase the Respiratory Rate up to about 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
INSPIRATION HOLD:
Normally there is a slight pause at end-inspiration as one switches over to the expiration phase of the breathing cycle. Usually this is about 3 to 5 % of the Inspiration Time.
EXPIRATION HOLD:
Normally there is a longer, usually distinctive pause at end-expiration, as one is preparing to switch over to the inspiration phase of the next breathing cycle. At rest this is usually about 5 to 10% of the expiration time.
Yoga and Meditation exercises may require substantially longer Inspiration and Expiration Hold Times.
The counting technique for correcting Acute Hyperventilation Syndrome may be enhanced by prolonging the Inspiration and Expiration Times to about 10 to 20%, or even as much as 30 to 40%. In this case the user would count “One thousand and one; etc. to ..... One thousand and five; PAUSE”and then begin expiration by counting “One thousand and one; etc. to ..... One thousand and five; PAUSE.” This will further help to focus on slow, deliberate counting, and also slow the respiratory rate even further.
Trial and Error - Adjusting your program from the User Working Screen
It should be emphasized, all these adjustments can interact with each other. It may take time and a lot of trial and error to find breathing patterns that are suitable for your needs. Have patience, and don't be discouraged if your initial breathing pattern adjustments are not satisfactory.
However, once you have found a breathing pattern that is satisfactory, be sure to write down the input parameters, or make a copy of same by printing your breathing pattern. This way, when you need the program in future, it will take but a moment to re-enter your specific breathing program.
You may easily experiment and fine tune your breathing program from the main User Working Screen. Note the abbreviated descriptions at the bottom of the screen:
TV - (Tidal Volume)
Rate - (Respiratory Rate)
TI - (Inspiratory Time)
TE - (Expiratory Time)
IH - (Inspiration Hold)
EH - (Expiration Hold)
While you are actually using the prompting program you may dynamically adjust these parameters by clicking on the appropriate Up/Down arrows. Or, you may place your cursor within the relevant box and type in the desired number, and press theEnter key on your computer. On the next breath your new values will appear. Along the bottom of the main User Working Screen are four red function boxes:
Refresh - (or use the Esc function key)
Pause - (or use the F1 function key)
Print - (or use the F2 function key)
Setup & Exit - (or use the F12 function key)
Refresh / Esc starts the prompting display over again, and allows you to easily synchronize your breathing with the computer display. Simply breathe out comfortably, and then breathe in, and at the same time press Esc or Refresh. You and the prompting program are now synchronized.
Pause / F1 will stop the display, so that you or your breathing advisor may discuss what you are doing, and what might be done to obtain a better breathing program.
Print / F2 will tell your computer to print a hard copy of your program. Note, this will only work if you have first pressed Pause or F1.
Setup & Exit / F12 returns you to the Setup Screen, and from there you may make program adjustments or exit the program.
DISCLAIMER: Breathing Control Associates (BCA) will assume no liability for the use of this product in any environments, including electrically sensitive areas where users might be at risk for microshock hazards.
The setup and proper use of this product is the entire responsibility of the user. BCA will not warrant that use of this technology will result in relief of shortness of breath or improvement of any respiratory related conditions.
Breathing pattern modification relies on the correct diagnosis of disease or user conditions that are potentially capable of being helped by this technique, and the generation of an appropriate breathing program. Good user cooperation and effort in learning the necessary skills to use this breathing prompter to advantage is essential. This is the sole responsibility of the user and/or the user's advisors.
Some pulmonary disease states will not be able to be helped by this methodology, and some otherwise treatable conditions may be too advanced to permit significant improvement of breathing distress.
On request, Breathing Control Associates will provide written permission for facilities who provide refurbished computers for the poor, a license to copy this program into their computers for those in need.
If the user’s Physician, Psychologist, Therapist or Breathing Coach / Trainer or other advisor does not have this program, the user is granted permission to permit their advisor to copy their personal program. This does not permit the various advisors to copy the program to other users.
If in doubt about this permission to copy the Breathing Trainer program, please contact Breathing Control Associates.
We hope you find this breathing prompting program useful for whatever your needs may be. If you have breathing difficulties, or are trying to achieve other breathing goals, we hope you have been helped by this prompting method.
NOTE: From time to time more detailed instructions on various uses of this breathing prompting program will be posted on our web site. It is suggested you occasionally check to see if there are any developments or instructions applicable to your needs.
Go to: http://www.sierrabiotech.com/
On the HomePage you will find a link to Breathing Trainer (Breathing Control Associates)
Comments and suggestions about your experiences with this Breathing Trainer v1.0
are welcomed, and thank you for using this system:
Deane Hillsman, M.D.
Breathing Control Associates
We like to think that success is:
“Success ..... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson.