Heart Rate & Heart Rate Variability

In these programs we measure your absolute heart rate as well as the increase and decrease of heart rate that occurs with each breath. Heart rate can increase as much as 20 beats per minute when breathing in compared to when breathing out. The pattern of change of your heart rate shows your relaxation levels. If you can feel calm and relaxed while breathing at a slow and steady pace your heart rate will increase and decrease in smooth, repeating wave-like patterns. This will increase your heart rate variability (HRV).

Sporadic Heart Rate changes are a sign of stress. Smooth wave like heart rate changes are a sign of relaxation and positive emotional states.

Skin Conductance Level

As you become tense or agitated your fingers sweat. Relax to make your fingers dry. Drier fingers (more relaxed state) shows a lower Absolute Skin Conductance Level (SCL) but a higher Relative SCL (Relative SCL shows your % success). Try to raise the "Relative SCL" line in order to relax.

Higher is more relaxed in the Relative SCL

In Program Example

In Inner Tube you must relax to increase your heart rate variability in order for the ship to move fast. The heart rate variability is shown by the green line (below) and the heart rate is shown by the blue line. Smooth heart rate changes (blue) lead to an increase in heart rate variability (green) and make the ship fly fast enough to get to the end of the level in time.