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Breathing, Attention and Consciousness in Sync: The role of Breathing Training, Metacognition and Virtual Reality

Author

Listed:
  • Eleni Mitsea

    (Net Media Lab Mind - Brain R&D IIT - N.C.S.R. "Demokritos", Athens, Greece/ University of the Aegean and Communication Systems Engineering Department, Samos, Greece)

  • Athanasios Drigas

    (Net Media Lab Mind - Brain R&D IIT - N.C.S.R. "Demokritos" , Athens, Greece)

  • Charalampos Skianis

    (University of the Aegean, Information & Communication Systems Engineering Department, Samos, Greece)

Abstract

The purpose of the current review study is to shed light on the relationship between respiration and attention. Specifically, we examined whether and how respiration can provoke alterations in attentional states. Secondly, we investigated the benefits of breath-control training techniques in attention. Furthermore, we explored the effectiveness of virtual reality breathing training in improving respiration along with attention. Finally, we discussed the role of metacognition in the conscious synchronization of respiration with attention. It was revealed that every time respiration loses stability, attention fluctuates. Every time respiration is stabilized, attention finds steadiness. The results confirmed that respiration, attention, and as a result consciousness are characterized by bidirectional synchronization since their systems present coupling functions and dynamical interactions. It was also confirmed that breath control practices guarantee instant as well as long-lasting attentional improvements regulating all those mechanisms that strengthen mental alertness firing either the pathways of relaxation or excitation. Conscious-breath training is a practice of mindful metacognition that supports the coupling of attention with respiration. Metacognition in breathing utilizes respiration to improve attention but at the same time attention is used as a tool to consciously control breathing. Finally, breathing control training in virtual reality not only improves attention along with respiration but may finetune internal and external attention. This study concludes that breathing and attention are two 'giant' mechanisms that go hand-in-hand and carry on their 'shoulders' the whole cognition. Training conscious breathing via advanced technologies should be incorporated into the dialogue of education as methods for brain rewiring assuring better inclusion and academic achievement, especially for those with disabilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Eleni Mitsea & Athanasios Drigas & Charalampos Skianis, 2022. "Breathing, Attention and Consciousness in Sync: The role of Breathing Training, Metacognition and Virtual Reality," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 29(1), pages 79-97, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:tec:journl:v:29:y:2022:i:1:p:79-97
    DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v29i1.6145
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eleni Mitsea & Athanasios Drigas & Charalabos Skianis, 2022. "ICTs and Speed Learning in Special Education: High-Consciousness Training Strategies for High-Capacity Learners through Metacognition Lens," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 27(1), pages 230-252, January.
    2. Athanasios Drigas & Eleni Mitsea, 2022. "Breathing: a Powerfull Tool for Physical & Neuropsychological Regulation. The role of Mobile Apps," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 28(1), pages 135-158, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Athanasios Drigas & Eleni Mitsea & Charalabos Skianis, 2022. "Virtual Reality and Metacognition Training Techniques for Learning Disabilities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-19, August.
    2. Agathi Stathopoulou & Magdalini Liouni & Yolanda Salapata & Athanasios Drigas, 2022. "Emotional difficulties and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in children refugees & the role of ICTs: A case study in northern Greece borders," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 31(1), pages 213-227, May.
    3. repec:thr:techub:10034:y:2022:i:1:p:136-157 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Eleni Mitsea & Athanasios Drigas & Charalampos Skianis, 2022. "Mindfulness Strategies for Metacognitive Skills Training in Special Education: The Role of Virtual Reality," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 35(1), pages 232-262, September.
    5. Eleni Mitsea & Athanasios Drigas & Charalampos Skianis, 2022. "Cutting-Edge Technologies in Breathwork for Learning Disabilities in Special Education," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 34(1), pages 136-157, August.
    6. repec:thr:techub:10035:y:2022:i:1:p:232-262 is not listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    respiration; breath-control exercises; attention; metacognition; consciousness; virtual reality; avatars; respiratory biofeedback; serious games;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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