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Friendly inquiry

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.

coxrh@muohio.ed

New Member
Apr 12, 2007
2
1
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Hello folks, please pardon my intrusion. I am a physiology professor and in the course of teaching the basics of ventilation and its control I looked up the world record for static apnea (9 min!) and wondered if divers of all disciplines, but particularly static ever use buffers (e.g. sodium bicarb) to help performance. I sincerely do not mean or imply anything unethical or unsportsman like in this question. I know its use (bicarb) has mixed results for track events and just wondered about the diving.

I don't know your rules so a second question would be if the use of akaline agents is addressed.
 
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Doping is forbidden in freediving just like in most other sports. Not sure who maintains the complete list of forbidden substances, but you can read about the regulations in AIDA rules:

1.19
[FONT=Verdana,Verdana]The anti-doping code enacted by the WADA concerning the consumption of substances and the prohibited practice is applicable, as well as the anticipated sanctions and penalties by this organization. Random tests can be organized; the winner(s) or the winning team(s) in World Championships will always have to be tested. In case of refusal, the athlete is considered as being positive.
[/FONT]
1.20
[FONT=Verdana,Verdana]Any inhalation of oxygen and/or highly oxygenated mixtures 45 minutes prior to the athlete's performance is forbidden.
[/FONT]
1.21
[FONT=Verdana,Verdana]Other performance-enhancing products can be forbidden; In case of doubt the judge has the power to decide.
[/FONT]
 
I think you'll see that you are correct. Our resident expert, nice guy, and former world champion Eric Fattah has done probably more research on this topic than any other freediver.
If he doesn't chime in, PMessage him and I'm sure he will talk your ear off haha!
 
Buffers are frequently used by top divers. The most common method is to drink the juice of several lemons about 1 hour before competing.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has also been tried, and I'm aware of at least one world record which was set with it, but the diver usually has to run to the bathroom immediately after the performance for obvious reasons.

The prime idea behind buffers is that you are better off alkalizing your body via buffers, than by hyperventilating, because it is not just the acidity of your body which controls O2 release, but the CO2 level which is important. Therefore, two divers at the same level of acidity are not equal--the one with higher CO2 will win. Hence the reason for buffers.

There are a large number of other dietary methods in use, probably the most famous of which is garlic (started by the polynesians). Various methods of fasting have also been tried with sporadic success (Sam Still's 9'55" static being the prime example).

Certain herbs can also completely prevent the occurrence of hypoxic seizure (samba), while simultaneously protecting the brain from hypoxia induced damage. Unfortunately, herbs which prevent brain damage and/or prevent deep water narcosis are still seen as unethical by many people, even though they can dramatically increase the safety of the sport.
 
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Quess what I'm going to ask Eric, what herb(s) are you talking about?
I happen to have a local biological herbgarden in the neigbourhood, and I would like to try it:)

Thanks,

Kars
 
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