Breath-holding technique boosts endurance in athletes, study finds

A recent study from Greece found that holding your breath and submerging your face in cold water can enhance athletic performance. This technique activates the mammalian diving reflex, which helps the spleen release red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery to muscles. In the study, 17 athletes performed breath-holding exercises before running on a treadmill. They showed a 0.75% increase in endurance after using the technique compared to running without it. The findings were published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology. Researchers suggest that this method may also help reduce anxiety by slowing the heart rate. Further research is needed to understand the full effects and mechanisms behind these improvements.