BCIA Autonomic Nervous System and HRV Training 2

Question 1

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) refers to the natural phenomenon where:

Accepted Answer

Heart rate increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation

Answer

During inhalation, vagal tone is temporarily inhibited, causing heart rate to increase; during exhalation, vagal tone is restored, causing heart rate to decrease. This is RSA.

Question 2

The high-frequency (HF) band in HRV spectral analysis (0.15–0.40 Hz) is primarily driven by:

Accepted Answer

Respiratory-linked vagal modulation (RSA)

Answer

The HF band corresponds to the respiratory frequency and is considered a marker of parasympathetic/vagal activity, specifically RSA-driven heart rate oscillations.

Question 3

A biofeedback practitioner finds that a client's resonance frequency is 5.5 breaths per minute. To create an individualized HRV protocol, the practitioner should:

Accepted Answer

Train the client at exactly 5.5 breaths/min to maximize baroreflex gain for that individual

Answer

Each individual has a unique resonance frequency. Training at the client-specific resonance frequency maximizes baroreflex gain and RSA amplitude for that person.

Question 4

The sympathetic 'fight-or-flight' response produces which cardiovascular effect?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction

Answer

Sympathetic activation via norepinephrine and epinephrine increases heart rate, cardiac contractility, and peripheral vasoconstriction to mobilize the body for action.

Question 5

In polyvagal theory (Porges), the ventral vagal complex is associated with which behavioral state?

Accepted Answer

Social engagement, calm, and safety

Answer

According to Porges' polyvagal theory, the ventral vagal complex supports social engagement, calm, and connection — the evolutionarily newest ANS pathway active under conditions of perceived safety.

BCIA - Biofeedback Certification International Alliance Practice Test

BCIA - Biofeedback Certification International Alliance Practice Test

BCIA Autonomic Nervous System and HRV Training 2