Authentic Movement and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Preliminary Investigation

摘要

This experimental case study seeks to understand the changes in physiological activity during and following an Authentic Movement experience. A CapnoTrainer™ biofeedback instrument was used to measure heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), capnometry, and measurement of end-tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) during and following Authentic Movement activity. The results showed an increase in parasympathetic activity while maintaining high sympathetic activation during stages of movement (Segments 5 & 6) where the mover reported "being moved." In addition, an unusual increase in HRV was found during movement and speaking about the experience following movement. Future studies are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of Authentic Movement as a self-regulatory process of the autonomic nervous system in relation to HRV as an indicator of psychophysiological health.