ABSTRACT
Diver training improves physical and mental fitness, which can also benefit other sports. This study investigates the effect of eight weeks of static apnea training on maximum apnea time, and on the physiological parameters of runners, swimmers, and sedentary participants, such as forced vital capacity (FVC), minimum heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2). The study followed 19 participants, including five runners, swimmers, sedentary participants, and four competitive divers for reference values. The minimum value of SpO2, HR, maximum duration of apnea, and FVC were measured. Apnea training occurred four times weekly, consisting of six apneas with 60 s breathing pauses. Apnea duration was gradually increased by 30 s. The measurement started with a 30 s apnea and ended with maximal apnea. There was a change in SpO2 decreased by 6.8%, maximum apnea length increased by 15.8%, HR decreased by 9.1%, and FVC increased by 12.4% for the groups (p < 0.05). There were intra-groups changes, but no significant inter-groups difference was observed. Eight weeks of apnea training improved the maximum duration of apnea, FVC values and reduced the minimum values of SpO2 and HR in all groups. No differences were noted between groups after training. This training may benefit cardiorespiratory parameters in the population.
