Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology

Background and aimHyperventilation before breath-hold diving (freediving) is widely accepted as a risk factor for hypoxic syncope or blackout (BO), but there is no practical way to address it before dives. This study explores the feasibility of using a force sensor to predict end-tidal carbon dioxid...

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Main Authors: Frank Pernett, Eric Mulder, Filip Johansson, Arne Sieber, Ricardo Bermudez, Marcus Lossner, Erika Schagatay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-01-01
Series:Frontiers in Physiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1498399/full
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author Frank Pernett
Frank Pernett
Eric Mulder
Filip Johansson
Arne Sieber
Arne Sieber
Ricardo Bermudez
Marcus Lossner
Erika Schagatay
Erika Schagatay
author_facet Frank Pernett
Frank Pernett
Eric Mulder
Filip Johansson
Arne Sieber
Arne Sieber
Ricardo Bermudez
Marcus Lossner
Erika Schagatay
Erika Schagatay
author_sort Frank Pernett
collection DOAJ
description Background and aimHyperventilation before breath-hold diving (freediving) is widely accepted as a risk factor for hypoxic syncope or blackout (BO), but there is no practical way to address it before dives. This study explores the feasibility of using a force sensor to predict end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) to assess hyperventilation in freedivers.Methods and resultsTwenty-one freedivers volunteered to participate during two national competitions. The divers were instructed to breathe normally and perform three dry apneas of 1, 2, and 3-min duration at 2-min intervals in a sitting position. Before and after the apneas, PETCO2 was recorded. The signal from the force sensor, attached to a chest belt, was used to record the frequency and amplitude of the chest movements, and the product of these values in the 60 s before the apnea was used to predict PETCO2. The mean PETCO2 was below 35 mmHg before all apneas. The mean amplitude of the signal from the force sensor increased from apnea 1 to apnea 3 (p < 0.001), while the respiratory rate was similar (NS). The product of the respiratory rate and amplitude from the force sensor explained 34% of the variability of the PETCO2 in the third apnea.ConclusionThis study shows that a force sensor can estimate hyperventilation before static apnea, providing a basis for further research. More studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing issues. Freedivers may hyperventilate without noticing it, and such a system could improve awareness of this condition. Additional underwater tests are essential to determine whether this system can enhance safety in freediving.
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spelling doaj-art-29d98a7f23c949f69397590f743d21a82025-01-06T06:59:16ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physiology1664-042X2025-01-011510.3389/fphys.2024.14983991498399Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technologyFrank Pernett0Frank Pernett1Eric Mulder2Filip Johansson3Arne Sieber4Arne Sieber5Ricardo Bermudez6Marcus Lossner7Erika Schagatay8Erika Schagatay9Environmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenSwedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenEnvironmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenEnvironmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenEnvironmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenOxygen Scientific GmbH, Graz, AustriaSensing Systems Corporation, Dartmouth, United StatesIndependent hardware and software engineer, Atlanta, GA, United StatesEnvironmental Physiology Group, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenSwedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, SwedenBackground and aimHyperventilation before breath-hold diving (freediving) is widely accepted as a risk factor for hypoxic syncope or blackout (BO), but there is no practical way to address it before dives. This study explores the feasibility of using a force sensor to predict end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) to assess hyperventilation in freedivers.Methods and resultsTwenty-one freedivers volunteered to participate during two national competitions. The divers were instructed to breathe normally and perform three dry apneas of 1, 2, and 3-min duration at 2-min intervals in a sitting position. Before and after the apneas, PETCO2 was recorded. The signal from the force sensor, attached to a chest belt, was used to record the frequency and amplitude of the chest movements, and the product of these values in the 60 s before the apnea was used to predict PETCO2. The mean PETCO2 was below 35 mmHg before all apneas. The mean amplitude of the signal from the force sensor increased from apnea 1 to apnea 3 (p < 0.001), while the respiratory rate was similar (NS). The product of the respiratory rate and amplitude from the force sensor explained 34% of the variability of the PETCO2 in the third apnea.ConclusionThis study shows that a force sensor can estimate hyperventilation before static apnea, providing a basis for further research. More studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in preventing issues. Freedivers may hyperventilate without noticing it, and such a system could improve awareness of this condition. Additional underwater tests are essential to determine whether this system can enhance safety in freediving.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1498399/fulltidal volumebreath-holdapneablackoutwearable technology
spellingShingle Frank Pernett
Frank Pernett
Eric Mulder
Filip Johansson
Arne Sieber
Arne Sieber
Ricardo Bermudez
Marcus Lossner
Erika Schagatay
Erika Schagatay
Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
Frontiers in Physiology
tidal volume
breath-hold
apnea
blackout
wearable technology
title Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
title_full Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
title_fullStr Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
title_full_unstemmed Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
title_short Toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving: a proof of concept using force sensor technology
title_sort toward a hyperventilation detection system in freediving a proof of concept using force sensor technology
topic tidal volume
breath-hold
apnea
blackout
wearable technology
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2024.1498399/full
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