
Athletes often struggle with breathlessness. This is not only common for an individual exercising for the first time but also for the experienced athlete
During increased rate and depth of breathing (hyperpnea), the relative cost of breathing increases exponentially when moving from moderate exercise to heavy and maximal exercise levels. (1)
While at moderate exercise, the cost of the respiratory system accounts for 3-6% total VO2max, heavy exercise accounts for a ~10% demand and maximal exercise accounts for anywhere between 13-15%. (2)
There is a substantial cost associated with high rates of ventilation, so much that as much as 10% of the oxygen consumption at VO2 max may be used to support the respiratory muscles. (3)
Breathing efficiency and physical fitness are both independent and complementary; while physical fitness does not always translate into breathing efficiency, there is no doubt that breathing efficiency is the gateway to attaining physical fitness.
Breath holding is one of the most powerful methods to induce the sensation of breathlessness, and that the breath hold test ‘gives us much information on the onset and endurance of dyspnea’ (laboured breathing).
“If a person breath holds after a normal exhalation, it takes approximately 40 seconds before the urge to breathe increases enough to initiate inspiration.” (5)
A low breath hold time has a direct correlation to over breathing or Breathing Pattern Disorder (BPD) and sensitivity to Carbon Dioxide (6)
How to measure breathlessness
Two Measurements are used to determine the extent of breathlessness
1. BOLT (Comfortable breath hold time) measurement (4)
Take a small silent breath in through your nose.
Allow a small silent breath out through your nose.
Hold your nose with your fingers to prevent air from entering your lungs.
Count the number of seconds until you feel the first distinct desire to breathe in.
Video http://oxygenadvantage.co.za/measure-bolt/
2. Maximum breath hold test (MBT)
Exhale normally through nose
Walk at a normal pace while holding the breath
Count the maximum number of paces that you can hold your breath
Goal 80 to 100 paces
Less than 60 paces- significant room for improvement
Knowing your comfortable breath hold time (BOLT) measurement and how to improve this through the correct breathing exercises will significantly improve Oxygen delivery to muscles and organs.
Take an Athlete Workshop or Masterclass with a Certified Oxygen Advantage Instructor to improve your Breathing Patterns and maximize your potential for Oxygen Delivery to muscles and organs
References
(1) Aaron EA, Seow KC, Johnson BD, Dempsey JA. Oxygen cost of exercise hyperpnea: implications for performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1992 May;72(5):1818- 25.
(2) Aaron EA, Seow KC, Johnson BD, Dempsey JA. Oxygen cost of exercise hyperpnea: implications for performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 1992 May;72(5):1818- 25.
(3) Noakes. Lore of Running
(4) Nishino T. Pathophysiology of dyspnea evaluated by breath-holding test: studies of furosemide treatment. Respiratory Physiology Neurobiology.2009 May 30;(167(1)):20-5
(5) McArdle W, Katch F, Katch V. Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and Human Performance. 1st ed. North American Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Seventh, (p289) (November 13, 2009)
(6) Stanley,N.N.,Cunningham,E.L.,Altose,M.D.,Kelsen,S.G.,Levinson,R.S., and Cherniack, N.S. 7) Evaluation of breath holding in hypercapnia as a simple clinical test of respiratory chemosensitivity. Thorax.1975;30():337-343
These two tests on how to measure breathlessness are fantastic. I will be talking about this a practising this in the near future.
For more on the advantages of Oxygen check here bowenandoxygentherapy.co.za mHBOT