Breathing less to win Paris 2024 gold: A case study using voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume-based training in a para-badminton athlete
Xavier Woorons, Simon Dané, Mourad Amrani, Franck BrocheriePurpose
To examine the feasibility of implementing voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume (VHL) training during the 2024 Paralympic Games’ preparation of an elite SH6 (short-stature) para-badminton athlete and characterize associated arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) and heart rate (HR) responses.
Methods
During a 5-week intervention, 9 VHL-based training sessions were added, consisting of either repeated running-shuttle sprints or badminton-specific exercises performed with maximal end-expiratory breath holding (EEBH). SpO 2 and HR were monitored, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded, and hypoxic dose was quantified. Within-participant variability and response patterns across training conditions were characterized using visual inspection of the complete time-series data and summary descriptive metrics.
Results
In both training types, a marked decrease in SpO
2
occurred from the first to the last repetition of each set. Mean nadir SpO
2
was higher during repeated running-shuttle sprint sessions
Conclusions
This case report demonstrates that VHL-based training with maximal EEBH is feasible, well tolerated, and capable of eliciting robust hypoxemic stimuli in an elite SH6 para-badminton athlete.