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Science for Sport Podcast

213: Breath-Holding Improves Physical Performance

Apr 29, 2024
Jason Rice, creator of Apnea Survival, discusses the benefits of breath holding for athletes. Topics include physiological adaptations, stress management, and improving sports performance through breath control. Learn about techniques, case studies, and the impact on cognitive control for enhanced physical abilities.
35:52

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Breath holds induce physiological adaptations like increased hemoglobin production, enhancing oxygen transportation in athletes.
  • Breath control techniques help regulate the autonomic nervous system, improving cognitive function under stress.

Deep dives

The Significance of Breath Holding and Apnea for Performance Enhancement

Breath holding and apnea are discussed as tools to manipulate the autonomic nervous system and enhance performance and recovery in athletes. By interrupting the gas balance in the body during breath holds, oxygen levels decrease while carbon dioxide accumulates, leading to adaptations like increased hemoglobin production, red blood cell count, and oxygen transportation capacity. These adaptations are particularly crucial for sports like freediving, spearfishing, and surfing where breath holds are intense and frequent.

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