J Neurophysiol January 2018 PMID 28954895

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans.

Jose L Herrero, Simon Khuvis, Erin Yeagle, Moran Cerf, Ashesh D Mehta

Mentions

28
Peak: 5 in Dec 2019
across 2 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

181,799
potential audience

Total likes

2,626

Video views

62,489

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter26 posts
  • YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects strong support and curiosity, with examples like a person offering breathwork classes citing the positive effects on body and mind, and others discussing the neurophysiological mechanisms such as modulation of cortical oscillations. This demonstrates both enthusiasm for the scientific insights and interest in practical applications, influenced by language that emphasizes potential benefits and scientific validation.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions highlight the importance of the study’s findings, with some explicitly endorsing the implications for understanding brain-breathing interactions.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high enthusiasm, referencing potential therapeutic and practical applications like breathwork and meditation.

EngagementHigh engagement

Several posts delve into scientific mechanisms and share personal or community programs, indicating deep involvement.

ImpactModerate impact

Many discussions suggest that the research could influence therapeutic practices and understanding of brain activity, though few claim immediate revolutionary change.

Abstract in brief

  • The study explores how brain activity during breathing is not just automatic but also influenced by conscious control and attention, involving specific cortical and limbic areas demonstrated through intracranial EEG recordings.
  • Different types of breathing control, like paced breathing and focused attention, engage distinct brain circuits, particularly in the frontotemporal, insular, anterior cingulate, and hippocampal regions, showing that cognitive factors can modulate neuronal oscillations related to breathing.
  • The findings suggest that breathing acts as a hierarchical organizing principle for brain activity and help explain how conscious awareness and control of breathing impact automatic neuronal processes, which has implications for therapeutic techniques like meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Micah G. Allen
@micahgallen · X

"Breathing above the brainstem" - iEEG recordings reveal that respiratory frequency and depth modulates gamma band oscillations across the cortex. Exciting! https://t.co/3RdFy0jorE

Mar 4, 2019 · 22 likes · 1 share · 23,278 followers View post →
Valentino Megale
@RealityNomad · X

Breathing is simple, complex is what happens beneath. It changes our #brain activation patterns, our mood, attention, and even body awareness. Science is now clarifying what are the mechanisms underlying this process. New #paper alert

May 21, 2021 · 4 likes · 4 shares · 2,353 followers View post →
Matt Nippins, PT, DPT, CCS
@NippinsNU · X

Fascinating paper on the neurophysiological effects of volitional breathing & breathing exercises -like yoga & meditation. Leaves some interesting application questions... #tuesdaytwitterjournalclub https://t.co/1PHbmTjVrE

Dec 3, 2019 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 265 followers View post →
Lynn Fishman Nurse -Mind/Body Integrative Medicine
@LynFishmanNurse · X

This September I will be teaching a 9 week breathwork program for citizens of #Montreal and West Island. Why am I doing this? The timing and pace of our breath can have positive effects on our body and mind. If interested, call 514 4856806 ask for Tony. https://t.co/hm2wGERiBW

Aug 2, 2022 · 2 likes · 39,240 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans https://t.co/eFaAzyW276

Jun 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,089 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans https://t.co/7Htzbty0GV

Oct 8, 2024 · 2 likes · 2,089 followers View post →

All mentions

Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

https://t.co/eFaAzyW276

May 6, 2025 · 1 like · 2,089 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans

May 6, 2025 · 2,089 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans https://t.co/7Htzbty0GV

Oct 8, 2024 · 2 likes · 2,089 followers View post →
Javi Ciborro
@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/B6JhKjvDrS Respiración por encima del tronco encefálico: control volitivo y modulación atencional en humanos

Nov 20, 2023 · 8,030 followers View post →
Javi Ciborro
@papayaykware · X

https://t.co/WvAGrgJoBX Nuestros hallazgos implican un papel fundamental de las oscilaciones relacionadas con la respiración en la conducción de la actividad neuronal y proporcionan información sobre los mecanismos neuronales de la atención interoceptiva.

Aug 20, 2023 · 8,030 followers View post →
Guy Fincham, PhD
@breath_Guy · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans https://t.co/eFaAzyW276

Jun 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 2,089 followers View post →
Lynn Fishman Nurse -Mind/Body Integrative Medicine
@LynFishmanNurse · X

This September I will be teaching a 9 week breathwork program for citizens of #Montreal and West Island. Why am I doing this? The timing and pace of our breath can have positive effects on our body and mind. If interested, call 514 4856806 ask for Tony. https://t.co/hm2wGERiBW

Aug 2, 2022 · 2 likes · 39,240 followers View post →
Melissa Sword
@SwordMelissa · X

https://t.co/VTvW2p3IFG

Mar 19, 2022 · 50 followers View post →
Living50+
@Living50Plus · X

RT @RealityNomad: Breathing is simple, complex is what happens beneath. It changes our #brain activation patterns, our mood, attention, and…

May 21, 2021 · 4 shares · 2,251 followers View post →
Mark Portz
@Mark_Living50 · X

RT @RealityNomad: Breathing is simple, complex is what happens beneath. It changes our #brain activation patterns, our mood, attention, and…

May 21, 2021 · 4 shares · 1,993 followers View post →
Debbie Hampton
@dlhampton · X

RT @RealityNomad: Breathing is simple, complex is what happens beneath. It changes our #brain activation patterns, our mood, attention, and…

May 21, 2021 · 4 shares · 11,763 followers View post →
Valentino Megale
@RealityNomad · X

Breathing is simple, complex is what happens beneath. It changes our #brain activation patterns, our mood, attention, and even body awareness. Science is now clarifying what are the mechanisms underlying this process. New #paper alert

May 21, 2021 · 4 likes · 4 shares · 2,353 followers View post →
Walter Perez
@walterdzog · X

Correlación de respiracion y pensamiento https://t.co/EXftAKdBoM

Dec 6, 2019 · 38 followers View post →
Northeastern University Physical Therapy
@NUPTMRS · X

RT @NippinsNU: Fascinating paper on the neurophysiological effects of volitional breathing & breathing exercises -like yoga & meditation.…

Dec 4, 2019 · 2 shares · 1,050 followers View post →
John Corsino
@Mvmnt_Is_Med · X

RT @NippinsNU: Fascinating paper on the neurophysiological effects of volitional breathing & breathing exercises -like yoga & meditation.…

Dec 3, 2019 · 2 shares · 836 followers View post →
Matt Nippins, PT, DPT, CCS
@NippinsNU · X

Fascinating paper on the neurophysiological effects of volitional breathing & breathing exercises -like yoga & meditation. Leaves some interesting application questions... #tuesdaytwitterjournalclub https://t.co/1PHbmTjVrE

Dec 3, 2019 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 265 followers View post →
Patrick Walter
@PatrickBWalter · X

Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans | Journal of Neurophysiology https://t.co/rQzU9R33CB

Dec 3, 2019 · 582 followers View post →
ConnectivePerformance
@Connective_P · X

Study showing neuronal activity to track the breathing cycle throughout widespread cortical/limbic sites. “Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans” | Journal of #Neurophysiology #brain #breathing #health https://t.co/1qFz6fAEUz

Nov 27, 2019 · 25 followers View post →
Kien Y. Knot
@0_u0 · X

RT @CharNoctambule: 深呼吸の脳科学的基礎付け; 深呼吸すると脳の普段とは違うところが活性化して落ち着きが増し集中できるようになり感情を統制できることがわかったhttps://t.co/Y9Q0BGlcRDそうだ。 呼吸のペースを自発的に変えられる動物って少な…

Nov 22, 2019 · 2 shares · 4,235 followers View post →
uncorrelated
@uncorrelated · X

RT @CharNoctambule: 深呼吸の脳科学的基礎付け; 深呼吸すると脳の普段とは違うところが活性化して落ち着きが増し集中できるようになり感情を統制できることがわかったhttps://t.co/Y9Q0BGlcRDそうだ。 呼吸のペースを自発的に変えられる動物って少な…

Nov 22, 2019 · 2 shares · 5,418 followers View post →
CharNoctambule
@CharNoctambule · X

深呼吸の脳科学的基礎付け; 深呼吸すると脳の普段とは違うところが活性化して落ち着きが増し集中できるようになり感情を統制できることがわかったhttps://t.co/Y9Q0BGlcRDそうだ。 呼吸のペースを自発的に変えられる動物って少ないみたいね、意外

Nov 22, 2019 · 1 like · 2 shares · 822 followers View post →
drjohnhall
@drjohnhall · X

RT @nchypnosis: Want to see the hard science behind our recent tweet on how breathing changes the brain? https://t.co/I2rfxlSXqj

Mar 18, 2019 · 1 share · 85 followers View post →
Colin D. Stone, MASC, BSYA
@RelaxHFX · X

New research shows how breath awareness affects hippocampal activity in the brain and opens the way to lowering anxious thoughts: https://t.co/HZ6ZLlggIS

Mar 6, 2019 · 347 followers View post →
NC Society of Clinical Hypnosis
@nchypnosis · X

Want to see the hard science behind our recent tweet on how breathing changes the brain? https://t.co/I2rfxlSXqj

Mar 5, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 116 followers View post →
Micah G. Allen
@micahgallen · X

"Breathing above the brainstem" - iEEG recordings reveal that respiratory frequency and depth modulates gamma band oscillations across the cortex. Exciting! https://t.co/3RdFy0jorE

Mar 4, 2019 · 22 likes · 1 share · 23,278 followers View post →
RM
@DrRickyMa · X

you can learn so much by watching a healthy newborn breathe....the applications are endless... Breathing above the brain stem: volitional control and attentional modulation in humans | Journal of Neurophysiology https://t.co/kgyu05AArY

Jan 16, 2019 · 2 likes · 86 followers View post →