Breath-holding and its breakpoint
TL;DR
You cannot breath-hold to unconsciousness—involuntary systems override voluntary control to prevent fatal self-harm.
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Research demonstrating limits of voluntary override in hybrid respiratory control - chemoreceptor feedback eventually forces involuntary breathing, illustrating hierarchical priority in hybrid systems.
Key Findings from Parkes (2006)
- Normal subjects cannot breath-hold to unconsciousness despite voluntary effort
- Central respiratory rhythm continues during breath-holding—only output is suppressed
- PaCO2 at breakpoint is not constant across conditions or individuals
- Bilateral phrenic/vagus nerve paralysis prolongs breath-hold duration
- Diaphragm muscle chemoreceptors may contribute more than blood gas sensors
- Highly cited review (181+ citations) in Experimental Physiology vol. 91, pages 1-15