Breathing Protocol in Breath-hold Divers

Breathing Protocol on Oxygen Saturation Recovery After a Dynamic Apnoea in Breath-hold Divers: a Single-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this randomized controlled trial study was to assess the effects of an 4-week exercise program on the recovery capacity after a voluntary maximal apnea. Participants will be randomly allocated to perform an experimental breathing protocol (NR-HB), or an usual training using their usual breathing (UB) protocol.

It is a multi-center study. 2 different Spanish Freedivers Centres are included in the study (Madrid and Zaragoza).

Divers were randomly assigned to receive an experimental training (NR-HB) or to be included in the Control Group (UB).

The trial included two study visits. Each exercise training program will be applied sessions per week during 4 weeks. Participants received baseline assessments at the beginning of any intervention, and post-intervention assessments at the end of the fourth week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Absence of pain or illness
• No changes in cognitive ability
• Over 18 years old.
• Member of the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities.
• Positive medical examination that allows the diver to practice voluntary apnea.

Exclusion Criteria:

• People with systemic diseases, tumors, infections, pacemakers, history of epilepsy, hydrophobia, pregnancy women, pharmacological treatment.
• To be participating in other physical activities during the experimental research