A resting heart rate is mainly influenced by the ____, resulting in an average heart rate of _______ beats per minute.

The resting heart rate is primarily influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a significant role in regulating heart rate through the vagus nerve. The parasympathetic system promotes a decreased heart rate, counteracting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which typically speeds up heart rate during stress or physical activity. The average resting heart rate is commonly recognized to be around 70 to 75 beats per minute for a healthy adult, making the choice of 75 beats per minute particularly relevant.

The choice emphasizes the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic influences, with the latter crucial for maintaining a physiological state of rest. This autonomic control and its impact on heart rate are essential concepts within biofeedback and related fields, helping practitioners understand how to manage heart rate variability effectively during therapeutic practices.