Key result
Differential operant conditioning allowed subjects to discriminate between slowing and speeding heart rate, but only 2 of 5 subjects could consistently alter heart rate relative to resting rate.
Why the study?
Does differential operant conditioning allow normal subjects to cyclically increase and decrease their heart rate?
Population
5 normal female subjects
Design
Case_series
Authors
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Heart rate discrimination via conditioning appears feasible in small samples; leaves open consistent bidirectional control for clinical use.
Does differential operant conditioning allow normal subjects to cyclically increase and decrease their heart rate?
Differential operant conditioning can teach subjects to discriminate between slowing and speeding heart rate, though consistent bidirectional control relative to resting rate is difficult.
Levene et al. (1968) studied Healthy (n=5). Differential operant conditioning technique vs. Resting rate was evaluated on Ability to significantly increase and decrease heart rate relative to resting rate. Differential operant conditioning allowed subjects to discriminate between slowing and speeding heart rate, but only 2 of 5 subjects could consistently alter heart rate relative to resting rate.
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