Mapping the functional brain state of a world champion freediver in static dry apnea
Jitka Annen, Rajanikant Panda, Charlotte Martial, Andrea Piarulli, Guillaume Nery, Leandro R. D. Sanz, Juan M. Valdivia-Valdivia, Didier Ledoux, Olivia Gosseries, Steven Laureys
Brain Structure and Function 2021 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02361-1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | World champion free diver |
| Intervention | dry static apnea |
| Duration | 6.5 min of apnea |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Freediving Breath-holding Apnea Underwater diving Brain research EEG FMRI Neurobiology Cognitive science Sensory dissociation Altered brain state Mental state Consciousness Human adaptation Physiological adaptation Extreme physiology Human potential Focus Visualization Mental training |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key findings | During dry static apnea, a world champion free diver shows increased EEG alpha power and connectivity, increased fMRI connectivity in the default mode network and visual areas, and decreased connectivity in sensorimotor cortices, suggesting a state of sensory dissociation. |
Abstract
peer reviewedVoluntary 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
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brain sources of EEG gamma frequency during volitionally meditation-induced, altered states of consciousness, and experience of the self Advanced meditator | 2001 | Case study | n = 1 |
| Mindfulness Meditation for Alcohol Relapse Prevention: A Feasibility Pilot Study Adult alcohol-dependent graduates of an intensive outpatient program | 2008 | Prospective case series | n = 19 |
| How does it feel to lack a sense of boundaries? A case study of a long-term mindfulness meditator. A single long-term mindfulness practitioner (S) with 40 years of practice in... | 2015 | Qualitative case study | n = 1 |
| Loving‐kindness meditation to enhance recovery from negative symptoms of schizophrenia Individuals suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders with persistent negative... | 2009 | Case study | |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling A female problem gambler | 2011 | Case study | n = 1 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- A neuroscientific model of near-death experiences. Nature Reviews Neurology June 1, 2025
- EEG signature of near-death-like experiences during syncope-induced periods of unresponsiveness. Neuroimage September 1, 2024
- Centering prayer in the treatment of bipolar disorder World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews March 30, 2024
- Meditation Beneath the Surface: A Narrative Review of Underwater Mindfulness, Breath-Hold Physiology and Contemplative Tradition Journal of Happytalism and Fundamental Peace October 14, 2026
Cites 16
- The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Neuroimage June 13, 2008
- The Near-Death Experience Scale The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease June 1, 1983
- Resting State Networks and Consciousness Frontiers in Psychology 2012
- EEG default mode network in the human brain: Spectral regional field powers Neuroimage January 17, 2008
- Review of the Neural Oscillations Underlying Meditation Frontiers in Neuroscience March 26, 2018
and 11 more in the library