freediving research

While breath-hold techniques are often the focus of freedive training, the quality of your everyday breathing may be just as important. As respiratory physiotherapists and freedivers, we've observed that many divers may unknowingly carry dysfunctional breathing patterns outside of their training. This research project aims to investigate how improving everyday breathing mechanics and respiratory muscle strength can enhance both comfort and performance in freediving. By combining clinical assessment tools with real freediving outcomes, we're looking to bring more evidence-based insight into how the way you breathe impacts the way you dive.

INFORMED CONSENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH AND PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA (GDPR)

Study Title: Freediving Breathing Research

Researcher / Institution: Daniela Dvorska MSc, Neronika Mihalska MSc.

By signing below I, the undersigned, freely and explicitly consent to the following in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR):

1. Legal Basis & Data Processing

I consent to the collection and processing of my personal data (e.g., name, age, gender, contact details, questionnaire responses), exclusively for the purposes of this research and its statistical evaluation.
GDPR requires consent to be freely given, informed, specific, and unambiguous.
This data will be processed lawfully, fairly and transparently, in line with Articles 6 and 7 GDPR .

2. Duration of Data Storage

Personal data will be retained only as long as necessary for the research, and no longer than 5 years after data collection ends, unless prolongation is specifically justified under GDPR.

3. Publication & Anonymisation

I consent to the anonymised publication of aggregated research results (articles, presentations, reports) where I cannot be identified.

4. Contact for Clarification / Additional Phases

I agree to be contacted via email or phone solely to clarify questionnaire answers or for possible further involvement (e.g., interviews, follow-up surveys).

5. Transfers Outside the EU (if applicable)

If any personal data are transferred outside the EEA (e.g., to the US), such transfers will rely on appropriate safeguards (e.g. standard contractual clauses), as required by Article 46 GDPR.

6. Rights of the Data Subject

Under Articles 12–22 GDPR, I am informed that I have the right to:

Access my personal data
Rectify incorrect or incomplete data
Erase data ("right to be forgotten") when applicable
Restrict processing under certain conditions
Object to processing in specific contexts
Data portability — receive my data in a structured, machine-readable format
Withdraw consent at any time, without affecting processing carried out prior to withdrawal
Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in my Member State (e.g., local Data Protection Authority)

7. Withdrawal of Consent

I understand I can withdraw my consent easily and at any time, by sending an email to: [researcher’s email] or writing to: [institution’s address].

By signing below, I confirm that:

I have read and understood the above
My participation is voluntary, and I can withdraw at any time without consequences
My data will be processed in compliance with GDPR
The provided information is accurate and given freely