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 (control, n=9). Each swimmer received identical swimming and ground training for 4 weeks. The apnea group performed 10 sets of breathholding 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 competitive sports.

Keywords

• swimmer
• apnea training
• fvc
• fev1/fvc
• blood lactate