O2 and CO2 tables - any difference?

[fabikp]

Hi all, I have one ( maybe surprising) question. I cannot see any significant difference between O2 and CO2 tables. Yes, I know, during CO2 table I spend more time with high level of CO2 in order to get used to it, but: I start each hold with higher level of CO2 ( in comparison with O2 table), but the hold lasts shorter, so the final level of CO2 can be about the same - and the final phase of the hold is what matters most. Am I wrong ? Did I miss something apparent ?
Thanks for answers. Pavel

 

[trux]

The purpose of the tables is to train separately the effects of high CO2 (hypercapnia) and low O2 (hypoxia). In case of hypercapnic tables, the level of CO2 is high, while hypoxia is typically nowhere close to any serious level. And oppositely, when doing a hypoxic table, although there is certainly hypercapnia at the end present too, hypoxia is more pronounced over it, hence you can learn to handle the hypoxic symptoms. If done properly, hypercapnia will be stronger in hypercapnic tables than in hypoxic ones, and of course, hypoxia will be stronger in hypoxic tables than in the hypercapnic ones. However, both effects will be present to some degree in both types of tables. It is just about shifting the balance to one or the other direction, not about completely eliminating one of the effects.

 

[rafacuatic]

Just one more question?
For an expert freediver,without problems in reach the hipoxic limit in the max attemp,with a good a level of CO2 tolerance,relaxation,legs,etc,and limited by O2, is it worth to do CO2 tables? ,with this tables, fitness and technic is than you gain ,not hipoxic wich at the end, is the limit.
For me, after some muscle-fitness training,i am better in CO2 multi laps tolerance,but bad in O2 limit.
Maybe,FRC hipercapnia with hight and fast intensity is the way to mix the two things.
Thanks

 

[Giobbi]

I have successfully pushed my limit further by mostly doing negative breath holds. I find it easier doing negs then full lung breath holds.