Predictors of Competitive Dynamic Apnea Performance in Elite Free Diving Athletes

¹Faculty of Engineering,  Atilim University, Turkey

²Faculty of Arts and Sciences,  Atilim University, Turkey

*Corresponding Author: Nese ALKAN, Faculty of Engineering,  Atilim University, Turkey; Email: [email protected]

Received Date:  October 10, 2023

Publication Date:  November 9, 2023

Citation: AKIs T, et al. (2023). Predictors of Competitive Dynamic Apnea Performance in Elite Free Diving Athletes. Cases. 2(3):14.

Copyright: AKIs T, et al. © (2023).

ABSTRACT

This study examined the predictors of the dynamic apnea performance of elite free diving athletes based on their actual championship performances as well as their speed in qualifications and finals. A total of 139 athletes’ static apnea, dynamic apnea qualifications, and dynamic apnea finals performances in the 6th and 8th World, and the 3rd and 4th European Apnea Championships were examined in two studies. Study 1 was designed to test the role of static apnea performance in the dynamic apnea performance.  In Study 2, the results of the 3rd European Championship were examined in detail to explore the relationship between the dynamic apnea performance and speed of the participants. Static apnea performance significantly predicted the dynamic apnea performance only among female athletes. Among male athletes the only significant predictor of the dynamic apnea final performance was their dynamic apnea qualification performance. Men performed better in static apnea and dynamic apnea finals but there was no sex difference in the dynamic apnea qualification performances. The speed of the athletes’ dynamic apnea performance in the qualifications was higher than their speed in the finals. A detailed examination of speed of the participants during qualifications and finals revealed the importance of a balanced duration-distance relationship in competitive free diving.   A sex difference obtained in terms of the static apnea–dynamic apnea relationship needs to be examined further to explore the possible goal achievement strategies that the athletes employ during the free diving competitions. 

Keywords: Static Apnea, Dynamic Apnea, Elite Athletes, Sex, Speed