Comparing Nose & Mouth Breathing During Exercise

The purpose of this study is to compare physiological responses in cardiovascular variables between nose and mouth breathing at rest and during exercise.

Breathing patterns can affect the cardiovascular system. Little is known about how nose versus mouth breathing affects cardiovascular variables (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) at rest and during exercise. It has been suggested that breathing through the nose can cause calmness and lower blood pressure. However, research is needed to examine the extent to which breathing through the nose affects cardiovascular variables at rest and during exercise. Therefore, we will compare cardiovascular variables between nose-only and mouth-only breathing. The rate of breathing will be fixed (using an audible metronome) for both breathing conditions (nose-only vs mouth-only) based on an individual's free breathing (i.e., no breathing cues) breathing rate.

Participants will be instructed to breathe only through their nose (mouth closed) during rest and submaximal exercise.

Participants will be instructed to breathe only through their mouth (nose clips prevent nose breathing) during rest and submaximal exercise.

Participants will breathe only through their nose (mouth closed) during rest and submaximal exercise.

Participants will breathe only through their mouth (nose clips prevent nose breathing) during rest and submaximal exercise.

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be measured in the laboratory at rest and during submaximal exercise with nose-only breathing and mouth-only breathing.

Heart rate will be measured in the laboratory at rest and during submaximal exercise with nose-only breathing and mouth-only breathing.

Participants will report their rating of perceived exertion (numerical scores of 6-20, with 20 being the greatest exertion) based on a validated scale at rest and during submaximal exercise with nose-only breathing and mouth-only breathing.

Participants will report their rating of perceived breathlessness (numerical scores of 0-10, with 10 being the greatest breathlessness) based on a validated scale at rest and during submaximal exercise with nose-only breathing and mouth-only breathing.

Inclusion Criteria: Body mass index: ≤30 kg/m2 Resting Blood pressure: ≤140/90 mmHg Exclusion Criteria: Overt cardiovascular (e.g., diagnosed hypertension), respiratory, neurological, renal, liver, and/or metabolic health condition Current or recent (regular use within the past 6 months) use of tobacco or nicotine products (e.g., cigarettes)

Data with all HIPAA identifiers removed may be shared in future collaborative efforts pending appropriate data and/or material transfer agreement approvals.

A formal plan identifying the intended use of the data and proper completion of appropriate data and/or material transfer agreement approvals with the study PI and their institution.