After a traumatic brain injury, the body’s automatic control of heart rate and breathing can be disrupted, affecting recovery and overall health.

This project investigates whether slow, paced breathing can influence heart rate variability, a marker of how well the nervous system regulates the heart, in individuals recovering from moderate to severe brain injury. By examining short-term physiological responses, the study explores a simple, non-invasive approach that may support autonomic regulation during rehabilitation.

Understanding these effects could help inform future rehabilitation strategies aimed at supporting recovery through breathing-based interventions.