BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that breath-holding duration (BHD) in humans varies and can be influenced by several factors. The breaking point is an involuntary respiratory act that overrides the urge to hold one's breath, preventing unconsciousness. This study investigated the effects of the isometric handgrip test, cold pressor test and mental arithmetic task on BHD and its breakpoint in young, healthy Saudi Arabian subjects.

METHODS: This interventional study, with a single-arm design, involved 78 young adults. Before conducting breath-holding duration (BHD) testing, their age, gender, height, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. BHD was assessed under various experimental conditions, such as rest, during an isometric handgrip test, a cold pressor test, and mental arithmetic tasks. Blood pressure (BP) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were continuously monitored.

RESULTS: The study subjects had a mean age of 21.23 years, with 47 (60.3%) females and 31 (39.7%) males. The mean Body Mass Index was 24.14 kg/m2. During rest, the mean BHD value was 29.67 seconds, while it was 26.21 seconds during isometric handgrip. The cold pressor test recorded a mean value of 32.69 seconds, and the mental arithmetic test recorded a mean value of 33.08 seconds.

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate a reduction in BHD during isometric handgrip and augmentation during the cold pressor and mental arithmetic tests.

KEYWORDS: Breath-holding duration, breaking point, isometric handgrip test, cold pressor test, mental arithmetic task