Hi Guys;
Eric is quite right that no firm evidence exists to support the notion that extended breath-hold does your brain any significant damage.
Some speculative thoughts on possible 'damaging' processes following blackout and/or samba are available in:
Sheard, Peter (2001) Myoclonus and hypoxia (or "sambas" and "blackouts"). Freediver 11: 30-32. ISSN 1466-089X
DeeperBlue will posting the piece at a later(?) date on this website.
As Eric suggests, the risk, if it exists at all, seems to follow 'hypoxic events' or, in the freediving world, 'sambas and blackouts.'
Even in the realm of freedivng blackouts there is no firm evidence for longterm damage occuring. Then again they said the same thing about repeated heading of a soccer ball and near concussions in ice hockey and American football players.
However, recent neuropshycological studies are beginning to show disturbing changes in cognitive ability ('brain power') after repeated concussion or near concussion incidents.
I am currently setting up a project to test freedivers after extended freediving sessions to -30m and following occasions of blackout or samba. Maybe then we will be able to approach the beginnings of understanding the lingering effects of breath hold diving and the accidents inherent in our chosen sport.
Until then, avoid blackouts!!!
Cheers,
Pete
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Pete @ divedeep
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