ArticleBrain structure & function2021
Mapping the functional brain state of a world champion freediver in static dry apnea.
Article in Brain structure & function, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed, 14 citations in OpenAlex.
- Acute Whole-Body Heat Exposure Modulates EEG Microstate Dynamics, Phase-Lagged Connectivity, and Cortical Source Activity.Brain topography · 2026Article
- Hypoxia's Impact on Hippocampal Functional Connectivity: Insights from Resting-State fMRI Studies.Brain sciences · 2025Review
- A neuroscientific model of near-death experiences.Nature reviews. Neurology · 2025Review
- Does hyperbaric oxygen cause narcosis or hyperexcitability? A quantitative EEG analysis.Physiological reports · 2022Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
10 authors at 3 institutions in 4 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Voluntary apnea showcases extreme human adaptability in trained individuals like professional free divers. We evaluated the psychological and physiological adaptation and the functional cerebral changes using electroencephalography (EEG) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to 6.5 min of dry static apnea performed by a world champion free diver. Compared to resting state at baseline, breath holding was characterized by increased EEG power and functional connectivity in the alpha band, along with decreased delta band connectivity. fMRI connectivity was increased within the default mode network (DMN) and visual areas but decreased in pre- and postcentral cortices. While these changes occurred in regions overlapping with cerebral signatures of several meditation practices, they also display some unique features that suggest an altered somatosensory integration. As suggested by self-reports, these findings could reflect the ability of elite free divers to create a state of sensory dissociation when performing prolonged apnea.
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