Ithaca College

In our research we are looking at the ratio of heart beats to breaths per unit time across ages from 4 years of age to young adults to test its relationship to cognitive development.  

In our research ‘Development of Heart/Breath Coupling”, we are looking at the ratio of heart beats to breaths per unit time across ages from 4 years of age to young adults.  Our goal is to collect data to test two hypotheses that derive from a theory of the relationship of heart rate to respiration cycle and its significance for cognitive development, as suggested by the theoretical writings of Rudolf Steiner.  Our research is a groundbreaking attempt to collect data to establish the validity of the purported developmental changes in heart rhythms and the ability to affect those rhythms through carefully planned educational activities.  The outcome of this research should contribute to a better understanding of development and to recommendations for the best modes of education for children at all ages. 

Dr. Catherine Read, a scholar of Waldorf education and development, will see each child individually in the Mind-Body Lab in Williams Hall at Ithaca College.  Each session will take about 30 minutes and includes the following activities, as appropriate to the child’s age: 1) introduction and conversation, 2) Rhythmic action, 3) Listening to live music, 4) Walking in rhythm to spoken poetry, and 5) Listening to a story told or read.  Wireless monitoring is used to measure heart and breath activity.

We have now completed research with undergraduate students and have begun working with children aged 4-15 years.  We hope you will be able to participate and we look forward to meeting you and your child.  To schedule an appointment time, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Nancy Rader, Professor of Psychology, at Ithaca College using her email rader@ithaca.edu or by calling her at 607-274-3510.