Abstract
This study aimed to create a training load index to measure physiological stress
during breath-hold (BH) training and examine its relationship with memory
performance. Eighteen well-trained BH divers (Age: 35.8±6.6 years, BH training
practice: 5.3±4.5 years) participated in this study. During a standard 1.5-hour
BH training in the pool, perceived exertion, heart rate, distance, and duration
were measured. The training load index was modelled on the basis of a TRIMP
(TRaining IMPulse) with four different equations and was used to measure the
stress induced by this BH training. A reference value, based on the ratio
between the average heart rate during all BHs and the lowest heart rate during
BH training, was used for comparing training load index. Memory assessment was
conducted both before and after this training. Of the four equations proposed,
equation no. 4, named aTRIMP for “apnoea,” showed the strongest correlation with
our reference value (r=0.652, p<0.01). No difference was found between any of
the memory tests before and after the BH training. The aTRIMP was a new
representative index for monitoring habitual training of well-trained BH divers.
Furthermore, this training had no negative impact on memory performance.
Keywords
apnea performance - freediving - cognition
