“The major contribution in this paper is the identification of a new neurophysiological phenomenon – the Bursting Rate Variability – that bears some resemblance to Heart Rate Variability, but differs in several respects.”
— Martin del Campo Vera & Jonckheere (2021)
We know the heart has a rhythm – steady, variable, and alive. Doctors measure heart rate variability (HRV) as a marker of health because it shows how adaptable the body is under stress.
But recent research reveals something extraordinary: your muscles also have a rhythm.
Scientists call it Bursting Rate Variability (BRV). Using surface electromyography (sEMG), they found that the muscles along the spine don’t fire randomly. Instead, they release little bursts of electrical activity – tiny pulses like notes in a song. The timing between these bursts changes, creating a rhythm unique to each body.
What the Research Shows
- In healthy people, these bursts are rich and coordinated. The nervous system synchronizes activity across muscle groups, producing flexible rhythms.
- In people with spinal cord injuries, the rhythms are less flexible, following more rigid patterns.
- This means BRV could become a new way to assess nervous system health, much like HRV is used in cardiology.
Why Rhythm Matters in Healing
Our bodies are built on rhythm:
- Breath cycles expand and contract.
- Sleep cycles rise and fall through different phases.
- Brain waves shift between focus, rest, and dream states.
- And now, we see muscle rhythms too.
When rhythms are adaptable, we feel more balanced, energized, and capable of meeting life’s challenges. When rhythms are stuck, the body struggles.
The Healing Connection
BRV deepens our understanding of the nervous system as the master conductor. Healing isn’t just about removing pain or fixing what is “broken.” It’s about helping the body return to coherence – that state where everything works together in harmony.
At Monarch Chiropractic of Queens, this is exactly what we focus on. Through gentle, neurologically-based care, we help your nervous system unwind stored tension, restore adaptability, and reconnect to its natural rhythms.
Just as the monarch butterfly beats its wings in rhythm to travel thousands of miles, your body has its own hidden rhythms guiding you through life. When these rhythms are tuned and free, you don’t just function better – you thrive.
What rhythm is your body playing today, and how might life feel if it were back in tune?
Citation:
Martin del Campo Vera, R., & Jonckheere, E. (2021). Bursting Rate Variability. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 724027. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.724027
Disclaimer:
This blog post is an educational summary based on the above peer-reviewed article. It is intended to increase public awareness and understanding of health research. All scientific credit belongs to the original authors.
- August 19, 2025
- 6:19 pm