Ognjen Pedja Tutorov
Center for Education and Research of Free Diving Dolhpinboy
Zrenjanin, Serbia
Abstract
In static apnea discipline diver holds the breath in standstill condition. Diving
reflex represents a reaction of the body to apnea dive with responses of effectors:
bradycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction, splenic contractions. Physiological significance
of these body changes implies reduction of oxygen consumption. The main objective of
this research is to examine characteristics of connection between heart rate changes (HR)
and changes in oxygen saturation in blood (SaO2) during apnea. A group of 15 breath
hold divers was examined. Tests were conducted during static apnea, heart rate (HR) was
measured as well as oxygen saturation in blood (SaO2). The changes in HR and SaO2
during apnea demonstrated statistically significant correlation. Higher HR values in apnea
indicate higher mental tonus during apnea which is followed by higher muscle tonus. The
consequence is a greater consumption of O2 and lower values of SaO2min. There is
statistically significant correlation between intensity of diving reflex activation and
oxygen conserving (less reduction of SaO2).
Keywords: breath hold diving (freediving), diving reflex, apnea
References
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Submitted March 28, 2012
Accepted June 15, 2012