2026 Conference Archive
Optimizing Autonomic Recovery Following Maximal Exertion Using Evidence-Based Breathwork
Location
Sapelo Ballroom
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/topcon/
Start Date
15-6-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
15-6-2026 9:50 AM
Copyright
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Description
Tactical and occupational professionals routinely transition between periods of high sympathetic arousal and rapid recovery demands. Inadequate autonomic recovery following maximal exertion can impair decision-making, readiness, and long-term health. This presentation reports findings from an original research investigation examining the physiological shift from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic reactivation and evaluates structured breathwork as a field-expedient intervention to accelerate recovery.
The research was conducted in physically active ROTC cadets and examined autonomic recovery following maximal exertion using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) as primary outcomes. Findings demonstrate that high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV) is a sensitive marker of vagal reactivation and that structured breathing strategies influence autonomic recovery independent of aerobic fitness and body composition.
Two evidence-supported techniques, box breathing and cyclic sighing, were evaluated. The presentation will summarize physiological mechanisms, recovery trajectories, and timing considerations relevant to tactical and occupational settings, including military, law enforcement, fire service, and applied strength and conditioning environments.
The session will conclude with practical implications derived directly from the research findings, including considerations for integrating structured breathwork into post-exertion recovery protocols without additional equipment, time burden, or cost.
Optimizing Autonomic Recovery Following Maximal Exertion Using Evidence-Based Breathwork
Sapelo Ballroom
Tactical and occupational professionals routinely transition between periods of high sympathetic arousal and rapid recovery demands. Inadequate autonomic recovery following maximal exertion can impair decision-making, readiness, and long-term health. This presentation reports findings from an original research investigation examining the physiological shift from sympathetic dominance to parasympathetic reactivation and evaluates structured breathwork as a field-expedient intervention to accelerate recovery.
The research was conducted in physically active ROTC cadets and examined autonomic recovery following maximal exertion using heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) as primary outcomes. Findings demonstrate that high-frequency HRV (HF-HRV) is a sensitive marker of vagal reactivation and that structured breathing strategies influence autonomic recovery independent of aerobic fitness and body composition.
Two evidence-supported techniques, box breathing and cyclic sighing, were evaluated. The presentation will summarize physiological mechanisms, recovery trajectories, and timing considerations relevant to tactical and occupational settings, including military, law enforcement, fire service, and applied strength and conditioning environments.
The session will conclude with practical implications derived directly from the research findings, including considerations for integrating structured breathwork into post-exertion recovery protocols without additional equipment, time burden, or cost.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/topcon/2026/2026/3
