The effects of seasonal training on heart rate and oxygen saturation during face-immersion apnea in elite breath-hold diver: a case report.

The purpose of the present study was to monitor a diver's ability to perform maximal face-immersion apnea throughout the competitive season. A male, world-class apnea diver was followed for 1 year (from March 2012 to March 2013). During this period he was tested six times. Each test session involved the measurements of the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. In addition, the ability to perform maximal face-immersion apnea was also explored. The results of face-immersion apnea durations showed a continuous improvement throughout the preparation period 1 with the peak in the main competition period and a decline during the competition period 2 and the transition period. It seemed that the training periodization was successful by producing the diver's peak performance level at the main diving competition i.e. the 2012 AIDA Freediving World Championships. In conclusion, the study shows that changes in training interventions due to seasonal training periodization could be accompanied by changes in a diver's ability to perform the maximal face-immersion apnea. However, further research is needed to establish the influences of individual components of apnea training on a diver's performance.