INTRODUCTION

It is well established that the variability of cardiac rhythm (HRV) is a complex wave composed of three main types of rhythms (called HF, LF and VLF) which are in close relationship with our (ortho)sympathetic nervous system and our parasympathetic nervous system. It is also established that the variability of our cardiac rhythm is closely related to our breathing.

The computer interface I propose is an innovating system which allows a REAL TIME display (by an INSTANTANEOUS VISUALIZATION) of the variations of our breathing and the three waves extracted from the cardiac rhythm’s variability: in dark blue, breathing; in light blue, variation of the cardiac rhythm (HRV); in white, the HF wave; in brown, LF wave; and in green, VLF wave.

This computer interface was originally developed to highlight in an experimental way the sacrocranial rhythm (also called “primary respiration”) perceived by the osteopaths. We will see that this interface shows a very close link between the HF, LF, VLF components and the various rhythms perceived by the osteopaths.

The instantaneous visualization of these various waves should open doors:

- In the osteopathic circle:

• allows the students to learn and clarify their perception of the “primary respiratory rhythm”;
• allows a direct visualisation of the impact of the sacrocranial treatment and the modulation of the interaction therapist-patient

- In sophrology which is clearly related to breathing

- In the medical research:

• It should allow a better comprehension of our (ortho)sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems;
• It could also bring new informations on the various control devices of our cardiovascular system;
• It should allow a better comprehension of certain pathologies such as asthma and Cheyne-Stokes breathing;
• It allows an new approach of the recovery analyses of the heart after an heart attack

- in bio-feedback:

• in cardiac deficiencies, it can be used like a tool to give back flexibility to the cardiac system;
• it can be used as a tool to considerably reduce stress and its damages on our health: it facilitates internalisation, makes the spirit free, heals depressive states and prevents the deterioration of our cardiovascular system.
• It has been shown that this kind of biofeedback releases the spirit and supports the memory; it gives very good results on patients suffering from fibromyalgia, from asthma and from hypertension