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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2025

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

Published on: December 22, 2016

Risk profiles of elite breath-hold divers.

Jérémie Allinger^1,2, Marion Noulhiane², Damien Féménias¹

¹CETAPS EA 3832 Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Rouen, Rouen, France.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research

|June 20, 2024

Summary

Elite breath-hold divers (BHDs) often experience loss of consciousness (LOC), with male divers taking more risks. Anthropometric data, lung capacity, and experience predict LOC, but memory remains unaffected.

Keywords:

Loss of consciousness depth hypoxia risk profiles

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Area of Science:

Physiology
Sports Science
Diving Medicine

Background:

Breath-hold diving (BHD) is an extreme sport with inherent risks.
Loss of consciousness (LOC) is a significant concern for elite BHD athletes.
Understanding the profile of divers at risk is crucial for safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the typical profile of elite breath-hold divers (BHDs).
To investigate factors related to loss of consciousness (LOC) in BHDs.
To assess the impact of BHD on episodic memory.

Main Methods:

Evaluated 44 elite BHDs during a world championship.
Collected anthropometric, physiological, and psychosociological data.
Assessed episodic memory and correlated with LOC and performance data.

Main Results:

75% of BHDs reported at least one LOC, predominantly men.
64% of divers exhibited a high-risk profile; no specific psychological pattern emerged.
Body fat, years of practice, age, and forced vital capacity predicted LOC (R²=0.622).

Conclusions:

Anthropometric data, pulmonary factors, and breath-holding experience predict LOC in elite BHDs.
Male divers appear to engage in higher-risk behaviors.
Episodic memory in elite BHDs is not impaired by the sport.