Effects of static apnea training on pulmonary function, blood lactate response and exercise performance of elite swimmers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of training on improvement in pulmonary function and swimming performance by implementing static apnea training for 4 weeks in elite male swimmers. METHODS: Twenty elite swimmers were divided into two groups, the apnea training group (Apnea, n=11) and the control group (con-trol, n=9). Each swimmer received identical swimming and ground training for 4 weeks.The apnea group performed 10 sets of breath-holding a day additionally. In all participants, the pulmonary function tests [forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)] were evaluated.The blood lactate level was also measured after each swimmer completed swimming 5 laps. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of static apnea training, the FVC of the apnea group significantly increased (p=.008), whereas the FEV1/FVC ratio did not change. Breath-holding time increased significantly after apnea training (p=.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in the 50-m time trial records. However, the apnea group show a significant difference at the 4th (p=.013) and 5th trial (p=.023). The blood lactate levels after the 50-m trial was not significantly different between the groups, but the levels in the apnea group showed a significant increase in the results of the 2nd trial compared to those before apnea training (p=.008). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study reveal that static apnea training improves pulmonary function, in contrast to a few time trials that show varying differences in swimming records and blood lactate levels. These results warrant a review of the training protocol to evaluate the effect on performance. In conclusion, static apnea training is a potential exercise that can improve performance in competi-tive sports.