Performing Mental Arithmetic Increases Total Respiratory Resistance in Individuals with Normal Respiration

The effect of performing mental arithmetic problems on total respiratory resistance was examined in 30 male college students. Each student was assigned to one of two conditions: those in one group performed an easy arithmetic task whereas those in the other group performed a difficult arithmetic task. Total respiratory resistance, measured with the forced oscillation technique, increased more in individuals who performed the difficult arithmetic task than it did in individuals who performed the easy arithmetic task. These findings are consistent with respiratory resistance changes exhibited by asthmatic patients under conditions of stress.