pulmonary function test and Static

[Anaerobic Assaf]

I did today a pulmonary function test and the results were very disappointing.
FVC of 5/07 (Just 93% of the predicted)

Nevertheless, my Static PB is 5:21 after only 1.5 month of training. Someone can explain it to me?

Is there a strong correlation between lung volume and Static time?

Is there a chance that the results were relatively low because 2 hours before the test I did O2 table (42 min) that was pretty hard ?​

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

should be writen 5.07 L*

 

[jome]

I don't see why doing tables would affect your lung volume negatively.

But sounds like a healthy pair of lungs to me! Most people are a bit below or above the average - that's why it's the average. Huge lungs are extremely rare, just as really small ones. Sounds to me like you are reasonably close to the average. Don't be too obsessed about the lung volumes, if you can do a 5:21 static, who cares what the volume is? I know guys with much bigger lungs that struggle to get past 4.

Of course lung volume is beneficial for static, but "small" lungs are by any means no reason not to dive. I've hear that some instructors have told students with small lungs that they should not be diving. What incredible BS! Even with significantly smaller than "normal" lungs, anyone can learn to do tricks that a layman will find incredible and almost impossible.

Granted, you propably will not break world records - but if that is not your immediate goal, then why worry?

Please also take into account your body size/weight. For example, a 60kg guy with 5 liters will have a good change of beating a 80kg guy with 6 liters...

It's not how big it is, it's how you use it

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

Jome

Thank you very much for your answer, Jome. I was already prepared to post a message that says "Erik? Jome? Someone?" J

It's hard to say that I'm worried. "Disappointed" will be a better definition. And actually I do have an aspiration to break some records (National ones).
I referred to the percentage from the predicted (93% in my case), so it's already relative to my properties.

Well, Of course I will keep on diving and training, because it have a very good impact on my life, but again, a little bit disappointment. I haven't read about one guy here, that have PB, lets say more than 6 min with lung capacity less than the predicted (and I really did a nice history check).


Thank again, man. I really learned a lot from all of your detailed and brilliant posts here.
Assaf ​

 

[jome]

If you've reached 5.21 with 1.5 months of training, chances are very good, it is nowhere near you full potential. Propably you can go way past 6 minutes.

Pulmonary volume is mostly an inherited feature, not much you can do to affect it - that's the "bad" news. The good news is, most people are not using their full volume effectively. You can slightly increase you VC (or even quite a bit) with different kinds of stretching and learning to fully utilize your diaphragm and inhale properly. You can do negative exhales and diaphragm stretches to optimize the low end and pack stretching to exband your ribcage (and stretch the diaphragm in the other direction).

We already bashed packing in the other thread, but for someone who has already a good level in apnea all in all and is considering competing I will say that even though I can't advice it - it will bring you an extra 30-60 sec if you learn it properly.

Recently in the national championships we had a team of reasearchers measuring the lung volumes of those who wanted. Almost everybody of the experienced divers showed above average readings, which would indicate that freediving training can indeed slightly improve your VC. But these are guys who have been at it for years, not 1.5 months...So don't give up hope, keep training

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

Thanks again, jome.

It's great to have a guy like you around here.

You wrote :
"Pulmonary volume is mostly an inherited feature, not much you can do to affect it - that's the "bad" news. The good news is, most people are not using their full volume effectively. You can slightly increase you VC (or even quite a bit) with different kinds of stretching and learning to fully utilize your diaphragm and inhale properly. You can do negative exhales and diaphragm stretches to optimize the low end and pack stretching to expand your ribcage (and stretch the diaphragm in the other direction)."

Can u send me a link with details about this kind of training?

Assaf. ​

 

[jome]

Read Will's posts in this thread for some good negtive exhale stretches.

Pack stretching is a good exercise in it self - there's so many threads in DB about that...I'll leave you with the search function.

Of course, stretching the upper body in general will help. And last but not least - simply CW diving.

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

Thank, I will try it.
I wish I have partners for CW diving (I did it just one time and it was in the basic course I took 2 weeks ago. I did 24 m… that was the maximum that was allowed in the course). Even a partner for the pool is just a wish by now…

Well, I will work on this part J

Assaf.​

 

[jome]

Just remember to go easy on the exhale exercises at first. Gradually build up to it. If you rush into it not only will the experience be so horrible it will turn you off of it for a long time - you risk injuring your self.

So start with volumes that feel "slightly uncomfortable" and then on successive days/weeks/months - keep exhaling a little more...

Contractions will feel absolutely horrible when you really, fully exhale. It feels like you will turn your insides upside down

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

You really know how to encourage and give an inspiration J

Anyway, I will give it a tri and I promise to be a good boy and to the rush into it … J

Thanks for all of your good advices

Assaf ​

 

[immerlustig]

hi,

i would say that it's a lot more beneficial to have good (low) o2 consumption rather than much o2 (bigger lungvolume) to start out with. improving relaxation and body awarenes will be extremely helpful in all aspects of freediving. so even with an below average lung volume you can definitely do above average performances

efficiency counts.

roland

 

[Adrian]

I remember a DB member from the Caribeean who said he had 5 liter lungs, but his bottom times were between two and three minutes. I certainly don't see any disadvantage there!

 

[naiad]

I don't think it makes much difference. I haven't seen any direct relationship between lung volume and freediving performance. Of course, it is one factor, but there are so many others to consider.

Lucia

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

I remember a DB member from the Caribeean who said he had 5 liter lungs, but his bottom times were between two and three minutes. I certainly don't see any disadvantage there!

Well,maybe the guy from the Caribeean is 1.5 tall

Anyway, thanks for U and the others for the encouragement.
I wiil do my best​

 

[Anaerobic Assaf]

I don't think it makes much difference. I haven't seen any direct relationship between lung volume and freediving performance. Of course, it is one factor, but there are so many others to consider.

Lucia

Hi Lucia,

Maybe you can enumerate the other factors from your point of view.
Of course I will be happy to see other opnions too.

Assaf