Erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit do not correlate with apnoea duration among sedentary male

Abstract

In freediving, divers rely solely on a single breath. The duration of apnoea depends on the oxygen reserves, mostly derived from the air trapped in the lungs and airways. It is necessary to investigate whether erythrocyte and haemoglobin levels correlate with the achievable apnoea duration, considering their roles as oxygen binders and carriers in the blood. This study examines the correlation between erythrocyte and haemoglobin levels and apnoea duration in 12 sedentary males. Erythrocyte and haemoglobin levels were assessed through blood sample examination in a clinical laboratory by professional personnel, while apnoea duration was measured by remaining motionless in a swimming pool at a depth of 0.5 meters, with three measurements taken. Normality test results indicated that all data were normally distributed (p > .05). Pearson correlation test results revealed no correlation between apnoea duration and erythrocyte levels, haemoglobin, or haematocrit (p > .05). From the research findings, it can be assumed that these three blood biochemical variables cannot be categorized as oxygen reserves and only function as oxygen transportation media.