gottapass,

We did not include specific suggestions for how long to maintain the manipulation of one tracing vs. another in order to make it more difficult for polygraphers to identify any distinctive pattern that might help to identify readers of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. You may choose to employ multiple manipulations for different amounts of time, or for the same amount of time.

With regard to whether to steadily constrict the anal sphincter or to gradually tighten and release, I have no recommendation. But note (as we will in the 2nd edition of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector) that one should in any event use less than maximal effort. A little goes a long way. Note also that none of the breathing manipulations described involve taking full deep breaths.