Acute Effects of Voluntary Breath-Holding on Cardiovascular and Cognitive Functions in University Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/3172xw97Keywords:
Digit Span Test, Stroop Test, Oxygen Saturation, Systolic Blood PressureAbstract
This study examined the acute effects of voluntary breath-holding on cardiovascular and cognitive functions among trained female university football players. Thirty female university football players (age 21.41 ± 1.61 years) participated in a quasi-experimental, within-subject pre-test and post-test study. Cardiovascular variables included heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, while cognitive functions were assessed through reaction time, working memory, and decision-making tasks. Baseline measurements were obtained following a 10-minute seated rest, after which participants performed a standardized voluntary breath-holding task for up to 60 seconds under continuous supervision. Post-test measurements were initiated within 10 seconds of cessation of breath-holding. Data were analysed using paired-samples t-tests, with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. The findings demonstrated significant acute changes in most measured variables. Heart rate decreased significantly (t(29) = 3.05, p = 0.004, d = 1.11), whereas systolic blood pressure increased (t(29) = −3.58, p = 0.001, d = 0.83). Oxygen saturation showed a substantial decrease (t(29) = 4.85, p < 0.001, d = 2.85). Cognitive performance also changed, with reaction time worsening (t(29) = −2.92, p = 0.007, d = 1.08) and working memory declining (t(29) = 2.18, p = 0.037, d = 0.80). However, decision-making did not change significantly (t(29) = 1.51, p = 0.142, d = 0.27). These findings indicate that brief voluntary breath-holding can produce transient cardiovascular and cognitive responses in trained female university athletes, particularly affecting oxygen saturation, cardiovascular regulation, reaction time, and working memory.
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