Objective To test whether rhythmic formulas such as the rosary and yoga mantras can synchronise and reinforce inherent cardiovascular rhythms and modify baroreflex sensitivity.

Design Comparison of effects of recitation of the Ave Maria (in Latin) or of a mantra, during spontaneous and metronome controlled breathing, on breathing rate and on spontaneous oscillations in RR interval, and on blood pressure and cerebral circulation.

Setting Florenceand Pavia, Italy.

Participants 23 healthy adults.

Main outcome measures Breathing rate, regularity of breathing, baroreflex sensitivity, frequency of cardiovascular oscillations.

Results Both prayer and mantra caused striking, powerful, and synchronous increases in existing cardiovascular rhythms when recited six times a minute. Baroreflex sensitivity also increased significantly, from 9.5 (SD 4.6) to 11.5 (4.9) ms/mm Hg, P < 0.05.

Conclusion Rhythm formulas that involve breathing at six breaths per minute induce favourablepsychological and possibly physiological effects.